A wealthy supermarket magnate is the frontrunner in Panama's upcoming presidential election, with voters seeking assurance that their economy can withstand the global financial crisis. Ricardo Martinelli, a pro-business conservative, has a significant lead in the polls over Balbina Herrera, a leftist with a history of anti-US sentiment and connections to a former military leader. The current ruling party, PRD, has been losing support due to rising prices and crime rates, causing frustration among lower-income voters like teacher Jose Cedeno, who is struggling to afford basic necessities on his modest salary. Panama's strong economy, driven by luxury apartment construction, US-Asia trade through the canal, and a robust banking sector, has led Latin America in double-digit growth for the past two years. However, analysts predict a slowdown to 3 percent or less this year due to decreasing credit availability, a decline in canal traffic, and reduced activity in the Caribbean free-trade zone. Voters, frustrated with high inflation and widespread crime, are concerned about this decline. In the upcoming election, Martinelli holds a 14-point lead over Herrera and only needs to receive more votes than his rival to win, even if he falls short of 50 percent. A Martinelli victory would go against the leftward trend seen in many recent Latin American elections. Martinelli, a US-educated businessman and former minister of Panama Canal affairs, has pledged to invest heavily in infrastructure to create jobs if elected. Martinelli expressed his desire to implement a flat tax ranging from 10 to 20 percent, which would involve increasing tax rates for the banking and insurance industries while reducing them for small-business owners. His well-funded campaign outshone Herrera's, and his efforts to appeal to lower-income voters included images of him working at a banana plantation and handling garbage on a collection route. Additionally, his charity that supports education contributed to his appeal among this demographic. One supporter, a 60-year-old cattle farmer named Ercilia Ramos, expressed confidence in Martinelli's integrity due to his generosity towards the less fortunate despite his wealth. In terms of being supportive of businesses, PRD's Herrera had a disagreement with Washington when she led demonstrations against former U.S. President George H.W. Bush during his visit to Panama following a 1989 U.S. invasion that removed military dictator Gen. Manuel Noriega. Despite her past ties to Noriega, who is currently serving time in a Florida prison for drug trafficking and money laundering, Herrera, now 54, has had difficulty distancing herself. Noriega has claimed that he sought refuge in Herrera's home from U.S. soldiers during the invasion. However, Herrera now asserts that she would prioritize maintaining strong relations with the U.S., and her campaign proposals are similar to those of Martinelli's. Both candidates have stated their intentions to address crime, inflation, and support the poor through education and infrastructure, without causing a significant budget deficit. Foreign investors believe that neither candidate will negatively impact Panama's economy or investment environment, with one developer stating that Panama is a favorable place for business due to minimal government interference. An agricultural engineer who transitioned into politics, Herrera has served 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 background resonates with voters like Maria Zuniga, a street pedicurist who sees Herrera as tough on crime and believes she will bring about change. Former President Guillermo Endara, who is 72 years old, lags far behind in polls with only 5 percent support. Panamanians will also be voting for a new legislature on Sunday.