Voters are choosing between promises of economic prosperity and migratory crackdowns, amid increased political fragmentation and social discontent under outgoing President Laurentino Cortizo.

The election is expected to be complex, according to analyst Arantza Alonso of Verisk Maplecroft.

Presidential candidate Jose Raul Mulino was seen with Martinelli before the polls opened.

Panama's Supreme Court ruled on Friday that José Raúl Mulino, a late entry into the presidential race, was eligible to run despite not having participated in a primary.

Mulino replaced former President Ricardo Martinelli as the candidate for the Achieving Goals party after Martinelli was barred from running due to a money laundering sentence.

Martinelli, who dominated the race, had been campaigning from the Nicaraguan Embassy where he sought political asylum.

On Sunday, Mulino visited Martinelli at the embassy and hugged him, saying they would win together.

Mulino, a Panamanian politician, has gained support in the elections by associating himself with ex-president Martinelli.

He wears a "Martinelli Mulino 2024" cap and has promised to help Martinelli if elected.

Despite widespread corruption and Martinelli's prison sentence and corruption scandals, many Panamanians, including a bus driver named Juan José Tinoco, plan to vote for Mulino due to the economic growth during Martinelli's presidency.

Panamanian presidential candidate Laurentino "Nito" Cortizo Tinoco expressed concerns about issues such as health services, education, corruption, and garbage in the streets.

He emphasized the need for a leader dedicated to addressing these needs in Panama, which is a wealthy country.

Another candidate, Juan Carlos Varela Mulino, promised to bring about economic prosperity and stop migration through the Darien Gap.

While Mulino's message resonated with some voters, others, like Uber driver Emanuel Romero, wanted change but with a new leader.

Romero supported Ricardo Lombana, who has campaigned against corruption and sought the support of young Panamanians.

Mulino currently leads in polls with around 35 percent of the votes.

A March poll by the Panamanian Institute of Civic Studies showed that no clear front-runner emerged in the presidential race.

Former President Martín Torrijos trailed behind with 15% of the votes, while Rómulo Roux and Lombana received 14% and 12% respectively.

Citizen Romero expressed his intention to vote for an independent candidate, stating that he wants a change from the corruption and deterioration of the country.

Regardless of who wins, Panama's next president will face significant challenges, particularly in the economy.

Last year, the nation experienced weeks of anti-government protests, which highlighted citizens' discontent.

The protests focused on a government contract with a copper mine, which critics argued posed risks to the environment and water supply at a time when drought had severely impacted trade through the Panama Canal.

In November, Panama's Supreme Court declared a mining contract unconstitutional, which was celebrated by many.

However, the mine closure, recent economic growth slowdown, and reduced Canal transit fees will create challenges for Panama's new leader.