Ex-dictator's son elected president

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PANAMA CITY -- Martin Torrijos, the son of a former dictator, yesterday won the nations first presidential vote since the transfer of the Panama Canal and withdrawal of U.S. troops in December 1999.

Former President Guillermo Endara, his main rival, conceded defeat to Mr. Torrijos, whose father, Gen. Omar Torrijos, ruled Panama from 1968 until his death in 1981.

During the campaign, the candidates -- both heavily linked to Panamas troubled history -- had vowed not to revive its authoritarian past.

Still, Mr. Torrijos said in his victory speech: "If my father were here, he would be proud of what we accomplished today.

"I invite everyone to join in a new social pact against poverty, corruption and despair," he said. "It will be a social pact of solidarity, social justice, opportunity and prosperity."

Campaign officials said the U.S.-educated Mr. Torrijos would focus on tax and spending reform, negotiating a free trade agreement with the United States and improving the canal.

With 40 percent of the vote counted, Mr. Torrijos had about 47 percent of balloting and Mr. Endara about 30 percent.

In conceding defeat, Mr. Endara said: "I am happy, because our democracy emerged from this untouched."

Third-place candidate Jose Miguel Aleman of President Mireya Moscosos ruling Arnulfista Party, conceded defeat after drawing about 19 percent of the vote.

"The people have spoken loudly and clearly, and Martin Torrijos is the president of all Panamanians," he said.

Corruption, poverty and unemployment were the major issues in the race for president and the 78-seat congress in this nation of 2.8 million. Voter turnout was nearly 80 percent.

After disavowing his fathers authoritarian style, Mr. Torrijos paid a visit to his fathers crypt before voting yesterday. Later, he said: "I hope that people vote thinking of the future, about their families and the needs of the country."

Mr. Endaras 1989 election was overturned by the military. He was sworn in to office later that year when U.S. troops invaded Panama and overthrew dictator Gen. Manuel Noriega.

Mr. Endara served until 1994.

Despite his authoritarian rule, some have fond memories of Mr. Torrijos father. He was liked for his folksy style, land reform and public works, and for signing the treaty that resulted in the transfer of canal operations from the United States to Panama.

"Life was better for the people back then, even though there was military rule," said Praxedes Juarez Gonzalez, 52, a painter.

Now that Panama runs the canal, its biggest challenge is how to finance an expansion of the waterway to handle wider ships.

U.S. troops have not been here since December 1999.

"I am sure the United States will continue to have excellent relations with Panama," U.S. Ambassador Linda Watt said yesterday. "It appears to me that in the short time since the dictatorship, the country has matured a lot."