Voters in Argentina made their way to the polling stations on Sunday for a highly anticipated presidential runoff election that could potentially shift the country’s political landscape to the right. Javier Milei, a populist candidate often compared to former U.S. President Donald Trump, emerged as a significant contender against Economy Minister Sergio Massa of the Peronist party, a dominant force in Argentine politics for many years. The outcome of this polarizing election carries the weight of determining Argentina’s economic future.
Massa’s tenure as Economy Minister has been marred by soaring inflation rates of over 140% and an increase in poverty. In contrast, Milei, a self-proclaimed anarcho-capitalist, promises to reduce the size of the state and combat inflation. However, Massa has warned of the potential negative consequences of such policies on public services, health, education, and welfare programs. The election has left voters grappling with the difficult decision of choosing the lesser of two perceived evils.
The voting process, conducted with paper ballots, commenced at 8 a.m. (1100 GMT) and concluded 10 hours later. While the unpredictable nature of paper ballot counting makes it challenging to predict the final results, initial outcomes were expected approximately three hours after the polls closed. Milei’s rise to prominence started with his scathing critique of the country’s “political caste” on television, eventually leading to his election as a lawmaker two years ago. His economic expertise resonated with many Argentines, particularly young men, who have been grappling with the challenges of making ends meet.
Massa, once considered a long shot due to his affiliation with an unpopular administration, managed to leverage the networks of his Peronist party and secured a decisive victory in the first round of voting. His campaign has emphasized the potential threats to public services and welfare programs posed by his libertarian opponent’s plan to eliminate key ministries and significantly reduce the role of the state. Massa has also drawn attention to Milei’s aggressive rhetoric and openly questioned his mental acuity, pointing to instances where Milei brandished a revving chainsaw during rallies.
The outcome of this election heavily relies on the support of voters who had initially backed candidates that did not make it to the runoff. Patricia Bullrich, who placed third, has endorsed Milei, potentially swaying her supporters. Underscoring the deeply divided sentiments surrounding this election, Milei received both jeers and cheers during a recent event at the renowned Colón Theater in Buenos Aires.
Adding to the intensity of the campaign, Milei has raised concerns about possible electoral fraud, drawing parallels to allegations made by Trump and former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. However, experts argue that such irregularities are unlikely to significantly impact the election results and suggest that Milei’s claims are aimed at energizing his support base and encouraging his followers to monitor the voting process. Despite the lack of evidence, these claims have gained traction on social media, fueling concerns about the integrity of the vote among Milei’s supporters.
As Argentina awaits the final outcome of this contentious election, the world watches to see whether the country will experience a rightward shift in its economic and political trajectory. The impact of this decision will be felt not only within Argentina but also across the global stage.
