Panama's Supreme Court has ruled that the presidential candidacy of José Raúl Mulino, a former running mate of ex-President Ricardo Martinelli who is currently holed up in Nicaragua’s Embassy, is constitutional. This decision comes just days before the nation's general elections, scheduled for Sunday. Mulino, representing the conservative Realizing Goals party and leading in the polls with 33.4%, faced over 60 objections to his candidacy. The court's ruling removes a significant uncertainty, as Mulino is seen as the clear favorite to win. The elections are set against a backdrop of social unrest, economic challenges, including an unemployment rate above 50% among young people, and a high level of dissatisfaction with democracy among Panamanians. Following the court's decision, Panama’s bonds rallied, indicating a positive market response.