Panama's President-elect Mulino, From The Farm To The Hot Seat

Jose Raul Mulino's candidacy was challenged in court on the basis that he had not participated in a primary vote or picked a running mate, as required by law (Credit: AFP)

Jose Raul Mulino left his farm and horses behind with his sights set on becoming Panama's vice president under his former boss, ex-head of state Ricardo Martinelli.

Then, in March, Martinelli was disqualified from contesting the presidency -- a month after he lost his final legal bid to avoid prison time for money laundering and took asylum at the Nicaraguan embassy.