Panama vice president wins presidential election

(Vatican Radio) The vice president of Panama, who fell out with the President has won the top job . But a residue of bitterness lingers on, following the result.

Unlike in many other Latino nations Juan Carlos Varela needed an outright majority rather than a percentage victory to win in Panama's Presidential Election, and he's done just that.

Vice President Varela, wasn't President Ricardo Martinell's hand picked successor. The two have been at arm's length since Martinelli fired Varela from his other job as Foreign minister in 2011. The political distance between them has since ebbed into a gulf, appreciably wider than the Panama Canal.

President Martinelli's preferred Candidate was Jose Domingo Arias, and Martinelli's Wife Marta Linares was the Candidate for Vice President.

Varela has pointedly said better times are on their way, and is calling for unity. But Martinelli has tersely responded quote: "God help us!"

Venezuela who severed ties with Martinelli's Administration has been swift in congratulating Varela. Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro says he hopes there can be a significant improvement in relations with next Government.

Listen to James Blears’ full report: