Opposition Leader Wins Panama Presidential Elections

{{Opposition leader Juan Carlos Varela has won the presidential election in Panama with almost 40% of the votes.}}

Mr Varela, who is currently the vice-president, had distanced himself from outgoing President Ricardo Martinelli.

Correspondents say Mr Varela has taken credit for Mr Martinelli’s economic success, but has promised a cleaner, more transparent government.

The president’s preferred candidate, the governing party contender Jose Domingo Arias, came second.

{{‘May God help us’}}

President Martinelli had actively supported the campaign of Mr Arias, 50, and the leader’s wife Marta Linares was the candidate’s running mate.

Critics said his support for the Arias-Linares team was an attempt by Mr Martinelli to hold on to the reins of power.

Under the Panamanian constitution, presidents are obliged to step down after one term and are banned from running for the two following terms.

BBC