[5] The ruling Panameñista Party of President Juan Carlos Varela suffered its worst result in history.

[8] Corruption became a major issue during the campaign,[9] being the first election held after the Panama Papers leak, which exposed the extent of the country's involvement in tax evasion.

[12] Martinelli was also investigated for wiretapping political opponents,[13] which resulted in his being disqualified in his campaigns for Assembly deputy and Panama City mayor.

[15] The following seven candidates contested the election:[16] Nito Cortizo won the PRD's presidential primary, held on 16 September 2023.

[20] Panama City mayor José Blandón won the Panameñista primary, beating former Housing Minister Mario Etchelecu.

José Domingo Arias, the losing CD presidential candidate in 2014, won its primary with over 90% of the vote.