Argentinians will have a choice among three main contenders in this year’s presidential vote: far-right lawmaker Javier Milei, center-right coalition candidate Patricia Bullrich, and Economy Minister Sergio Massa. The results from Sunday’s primary election indicate that Milei secured the lead with over 30 percent of the votes counted, while Bullrich garnered around 28 percent and lawyer and government minister Massa stood at roughly 27 percent.
The unique format of the election allowed Argentinians to select their favorite from a pool of 22 potential presidential candidates. President Alberto Fernandez, facing immense unpopularity due to soaring inflation, increased poverty, and the devaluation of the peso, has opted not to seek reelection in October.
Facing dissatisfaction with the current center-left government, represented by Massa and the Union por la Patria, and Bullrich’s right-wing opposition coalition Juntos por El Cambio (Together for Change), other candidates have seized the opportunity, including the libertarian Milei.
Milei, an outspoken far-right lawmaker known for his admiration of former US president Donald Trump and Brazil’s ex-leader Jair Bolsonaro, emerged as the sole candidate of his Libertad Avanza party in the election. He presented himself as a competitive alternative that would break away from the “parasitic, thieving, useless political caste.”
Milei’s unconventional views, such as advocating for the abolition of the Central Bank, banning abortion, liberalizing arms sales, and establishing a market for the sale of human organs, have resonated with some voters who believe that drastic change is needed in the country’s dire situation.
Facundo Cardozo, a 27-year-old sales executive, expressed his belief that Milei’s unorthodox approach might offer a solution to the country’s challenges, stating that a dismantling of the current system is necessary before rebuilding can begin.
Juan Negri, a political science professor at Torcuato di Tella University, noted that Milei’s appeal reflects the disillusionment many voters have with traditional political parties.
With 35.4 million eligible voters, Sunday’s primary was considered a strong indicator of the potential outcome of the general election, particularly if one candidate managed to break away from the pack.
The three contenders will now proceed to a first-round vote on October 22, followed by a runoff on November 19 if necessary.
Source: With Agencies