Just two days before the election, Panama's Supreme Court ruled that Jose Raul Mulino was eligible to participate in the election.

Jose Raul Mulino, who stepped in as the candidate for the disqualified former President Ricardo Martinelli, has been declared Panama's president-elect following Sunday's elections.

Panama's electoral authority announced Mulino's victory, as he secured 34.4% of the votes, with over 85% of the votes counted.

"I pledge to the nation at this moment to promptly form a government of unity," Mulino stated after electoral officials notified him of his presidential win.

Eight candidates vied to succeed the centre-left President Laurentino Cortizo, who, according to law, is restricted to one consecutive term.

Mulino formally entered the race on Friday, following the withdrawal of his former running mate due to a conviction for money laundering.

Mulino assumed the candidacy of the Realizing Goals (RM) party from former President Ricardo Martinelli after Martinelli's appeal against his conviction was unsuccessful.

Mulino encountered his own challenges when his candidacy was contested for not having won a primary vote and for not having selected a running mate, both of which are legal requirements.

However, the Supreme Court dismissed the complaint on Friday, allowing Mulino to proceed with his candidacy. Many Panamanians speculate that Martinelli will continue to exert influence from behind the scenes.