A wealthy supermarket owner is the frontrunner in Panama's upcoming presidential election, with voters seeking reassurances about the economy amid the global crisis. Ricardo Martinelli, a pro-business conservative, is leading in polls over leftist Balbina Herrera, who has a controversial past. President Martin Torrijos' party, the PRD, has seen a decline in popularity due to rising prices and crime. Frustrated voters like teacher Jose Cedeno are tired of unfulfilled promises and increasing food prices. Panama's economy has been thriving in recent years due to the construction of luxury apartments, increased trade with Asia through the canal, and a strong banking sector. However, analysts predict a decrease in growth to 3 percent or less this year as credit becomes scarce, canal traffic decreases, and activity in the Caribbean free-trade zone slows down. Voters are concerned about high inflation and crime rates. In the upcoming election, Martinelli is leading in the polls and only needs to receive more votes than his rival to win. His victory would stand out in Latin America, where there has been a shift to the left in recent elections. Martinelli, a US-educated businessman and former minister of Panama Canal affairs, has promised to invest in infrastructure to create jobs if elected. Martinelli expressed his desire to implement a flat tax ranging from 10 to 20 percent, with plans to increase tax rates for the banking and insurance sectors while decreasing them for small-business owners. His well-funded campaign, which outmatched Herrera's, showcased him assisting at a banana plantation and cleaning up a city collection route in an effort to appeal to lower-income voters who typically support the PRD party. Additionally, his charity that supports education played a role in winning over supporters. According to Ercilia Ramos, a 60-year-old cattle farmer, Martinelli's wealth does not indicate corruption, as he is generous towards the less fortunate. Herrera, a member of the PRD, faced opposition from the United States after leading protests against former President George H.W. Bush following the US invasion of Panama in 1989. Despite her ties to former dictator Manuel Noriega, she now expresses support for strong US relations and her campaign platform aligns with Martinelli's. Both candidates have expressed their plans to address crime, inflation, and poverty through improvements in education and infrastructure without significantly increasing the budget deficit. Foreign investors believe that the election outcome will not negatively impact Panama's economy or investment environment, as it is seen as a favorable place to do business with minimal government interference. Roger Khafif, developer of the Trump Ocean Club in Panama City, stated that he does not anticipate any negative effects on his business regardless of the election outcome. An agricultural engineer who transitioned into politics, Herrera has experience as a mayor, lawmaker, and housing minister. She grew up in a tough neighborhood in Panama City with five siblings and a single mother who worked as a house cleaner. Her tough stance on crime appeals to voters like Maria Zuniga, a street pedicurist who believes Herrera will bring about change. Former President Guillermo Endara, 72, is a distant third in polls with only about 5 percent support. Panamanians will also be choosing a new legislature on Sunday.