A wealthy supermarket tycoon is expected to win Panama's presidential election on Sunday as voters seek reassurance about their economy during the global economic crisis. Pro-business conservative Ricardo Martinelli, 57, is leading in polls over ruling party leftist Balbina Herrera, who has a history that some voters find troubling. President Martin Torrijos' party has lost support due to rising prices and crime. Frustrated voters like teacher Jose Cedeno are tired of unfulfilled promises and unstable prices. Fueled by the construction of luxury apartments, trade between the US and Asia passing through the country's famous canal, and a strong banking sector, Panama's economy, which uses the dollar, has been leading Latin America in growth with near or above double-digit rates for the past two years. However, analysts predict that growth will slow to 3 percent or less this year due to a decrease in credit availability, a drop in canal traffic, and a slowdown in activity in Panama's Caribbean free-trade zone. This is a concern for voters who are frustrated with high inflation and widespread crime. In a poll on April 23, Martinelli had a 14-point lead over Herrera, and he only needs to receive more votes than his rival to win, even if he doesn't reach 50 percent of the vote. If Martinelli wins, it would be a departure from the trend of leftward shifts in recent Latin American elections. Martinelli, who was educated in the US and is a self-made businessman owning Panama's largest supermarket chain, has also served as a former minister of Panama Canal affairs. He has promised to invest heavily in infrastructure to create jobs if he is elected. Martinelli stated his intention to implement a flat tax rate of 10 to 20 percent, with increased rates for the banking and insurance industries and decreased rates for small-business owners. His campaign was funded by himself and surpassed Herrera's budget. Martinelli's efforts to gain support from lower-income voters, who typically support the PRD, included images of him working at a banana plantation and participating in urban waste collection. Additionally, his charity that supports education also contributed to his appeal to voters. A 60-year-old cattle farmer, Ercilia Ramos, expressed confidence in Martinelli's integrity, stating that although he is wealthy, he is generous towards the less fortunate. The PRD's Herrera had a disagreement with the US when she protested against former President George H.W. Bush during his visit to Panama following the 1989 US invasion that removed Gen. Manuel Noriega. Despite facing challenges in distancing herself from her past connections to Noriega, who is currently serving a prison sentence in Florida for drug trafficking and money laundering, Herrera, 54, claims she would continue to maintain strong relations with the US and her campaign plans are comparable to Martinelli's. Both candidates have stated their intentions to address crime, inflation, and poverty through investments in education and infrastructure, without significantly increasing the budget deficit. Foreign investors believe that Panama's economy and investment climate will remain stable regardless of the election outcome, as Panama is known for being a favorable environment for business with minimal government interference. Roger Khafif, developer of the Trump Ocean Club, expressed confidence that the election results will not negatively impact business operations in Panama. An agricultural engineer who transitioned into politics, Herrera has experience serving as a mayor, lawmaker, and housing minister. She was raised in a tough neighborhood in Panama City by her single mother, who worked as a house cleaner. Voters like Maria Zuniga, a pedicurist, believe Herrera's tough stance on crime will bring about positive change. Former President Guillermo Endara, 72, is lagging far behind in polls with just 5 percent support. Panamanians will also be voting for a new legislature on Sunday.