Keith Holyoake vs Laurentino Cortizo

Holyoake became prime minister after the resignation of Walter Nash. He led the National Party and would go on to serve as prime minister for over 11 years, becoming one of New Zealand's longest-serving leaders.

Holyoake's government committed New Zealand combat troops to the Vietnam War in support of the United States. The decision was controversial and led to anti-war protests, but Holyoake argued it was necessary to maintain the alliance with the US.

Holyoake's government signed the New Zealand-Australia Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), reducing tariffs and promoting economic integration between the two countries. This agreement laid the groundwork for the later Closer Economic Relations (CER) agreement.

Holyoake resigned as prime minister, handing over leadership to Jack Marshall. His resignation marked the end of a long political career, during which he had been a dominant figure in New Zealand politics.

Laurentino Cortizo, a former agriculture minister and member of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), won the 2019 presidential election. His campaign emphasized social programs, anti-corruption, and economic stability, defeating a fragmented opposition.

Cortizo's administration faced the COVID-19 pandemic, implementing lockdowns, economic relief measures, and a vaccination campaign. Panama was one of the first countries in Latin America to secure vaccines, but the pandemic caused significant economic contraction and public health challenges.

Cortizo's government signed a controversial 20-year contract with Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals to operate the Cobre Panama copper mine. The deal sparked massive protests over environmental and economic concerns, leading to widespread civil unrest and calls for his resignation.