Mulino builds lead in Panama presidential race with 20% of vote counted

With 20% of the ballots counted in the Panama presidential election, former interior minister Jose Raul Mulino is streaking ahead with 33% of the vote, with second placed Ricardo Lombana on 24%, according to preliminary data.

Mulino had been one of the favorites for the presidency after he replaced popular ex-President Ricardo Martinelli on the ballot after Martinelli was barred from running due to a money laundering conviction.