Opposition leader wins Panama's presidency

PANAMA CITY, Panama, May 4 (UPI) -- Opposition leader Ricardo Martinelli won Panama's presidential election, the country's election tribunal said.

Martinelli, of the conservative Democratic Change party, defeated former Panamanian Housing Minister Balbina Herrera of the ruling Democratic Revolutionary Party, CNN reported.

"This is a victory for all the people of Panama," Martinelli said. "And I make a call to all our opposition -- to all the parties that opposed us -- that you all are all Panamanians. ... Tomorrow we have to start a new day."

Panama's electoral tribunal declared Martinelli, a supermarket magnate, the victor after counting 43 percent of the votes cast Sunday, saying he had an insurmountable lead -- 61 percent to 36 percent over Herrera, the Los Angeles Times said.

A sinking economy, rising crime and dissatisfaction with President Martin Torrijos undermined Herrera's campaign, the newspaper said.

"Starting on July 1, a change is coming to Panama," Martinelli told supporters at his headquarters in Panama City.