Tycoon elected Panama president
01.01.2010
The conservative supermarket tycoon Ricardo Martinelli has won Panama's presidential election, reversing a recent trend of left-wing victories in Latin America."The tribunal considers you the undisputed winner of this presidential contest," the head of the electoral tribunal told Mr Martinelli in a telephone call broadcast live on television and radio. Mr Martinelli, who is set to take office on 1 July, will also oversee the expansion of the canal approved and set in motion by the current President Martin Torrijos.
Panama (1) -- Analyses -- 2010
More about the choice of Panamians
01.01.2010
Correspondents say voters seemed to warm to Mr Martinelli's message that he was the right man to steer Panama through the global economic crisis.Voters were clearly impressed by the conservative candidate's business acumen and his bitter criticism of the current government.
Bulgarian