José Raúl Mulino, candidate for vice president for the Realizing Goals (RM) and Alianza alliance, will represent the slate in the presidential debates.

The decision is made because of the current situation of Ricardo Martinelli who has been asylum in the Nicaraguan embassy in Panama since February 7.

Martinelli faces a sentence of 10 years and 8 months in prison for the crime of money laundering in the New Business case.

The resolution of the Electoral Court is reflected in the Plenary agreement 6-1 and published in the Electoral Bulletin.

The first will take place on February 21 and will be hosted by the University of Panama and TVN Media as producer, with priorities in sectors of social service, education, migration, citizen security, unemployment, the Insurance Fund Social, and health in general.

The second debate will be held on March 13, under the coordination of the Panamanian Debate Association (ASPADE) and the TV production company, with the particularity of the “Town Hall” format (participatory public), which includes topics of interest to young people 18 to 29 years old.

The third debate will be held by the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama (CCIAP), produced by Corporación Medcom. It will be on April 17 and will focus on issues such as economic growth, democratic institutions, quality education, social security,  and health.