Ibrahim Rugova vs Laurentino Cortizo

Rugova was elected president of the self-declared Republic of Kosovo in parallel elections. He led a peaceful resistance against Serbian rule, establishing a shadow government and advocating for non-violence.

Rugova, as Kosovo's political leader, signed the Rambouillet Agreement which proposed autonomy for Kosovo under NATO protection. The agreement was rejected by Serbia, leading to the NATO bombing campaign.

Rugova was elected president of Kosovo under UN administration, leading the province toward final status negotiations. He promoted multi-ethnic democracy and EU integration.

Rugova died of lung cancer while serving as president. His death was a major loss for Kosovo's political scene, and he was mourned as the father of the nation.

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.