Martin Torrijos

Martin Torrijos, son of former military leader Omar Torrijos, won the 2004 presidential election as the candidate of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD). His victory marked the return of the PRD to power after a decade out of office.

Torrijos's presidency was marked by economic growth, social reforms, and the initiation of the canal expansion. He also pursued anti-corruption measures and improved relations with the United States. He left office with relatively high approval ratings.

Torrijos proposed and secured approval for a major expansion of the Panama Canal through a national referendum in 2006. The project aimed to build a third set of locks to accommodate larger ships, significantly increasing the canal's capacity and economic impact.