(4 May 2014) Panama held presidential elections on Sunday to elect President Ricardo Martinelli's successor.
This followed a three-way dogfight marked more by ugly personality clashes than any deep disagreements over the way forward for Latin America's standout economy.
Most pre-election polls showed the front-runners in or near a technical tie, with a small lead for former Housing Minister Jose Domingo Arias.
President Martinelli, a billionaire supermarket magnate, is barred by Panama's constitution from seeking consecutive re-election, but many fear he would be the power behind the throne if voters chose Arias, a softly-spoken newcomer.
The other main contenders, former Panama City Mayor Juan Carlos Navarro and Vice President Juan Carlos Varela.
In recent weeks, the country's president warned Panamanians that record-low unemployment and economic growth the country enjoyed since he took office in 2009 could be jeopardised if his enemies would be elected.
Sunday's election marked the first time in Panama's history that voters were able to use an electronic voting system.
The winner is expected to be announced on Monday.
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