By Nicolás Misculin
BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) – Argentine voters are gearing up for a crucial presidential runoff on Sunday, faced with the pressing issues of triple-digit inflation and escalating poverty. The country’s future hangs in the balance, with two competing visions vying for their support.
The election pits Peronist Economy Minister Sergio Massa against the outside contender, libertarian Javier Milei. Massa represents continuity but has been in charge during the country’s worst economic crisis in two decades, while Milei promises drastic economic reform, from closing the central bank to abandoning the peso.
Unconvinced by either candidate, some voters see the election as a choice between the “lesser evil”: fear of Milei’s aggressive economic measures or anger at Massa for the economic turmoil. Many Argentines are considering abstaining from voting altogether.
Despite the outcome, the winning candidate will significantly impact Argentina’s political landscape, economic direction, trade relationships, and international alliances with countries like China, the United States, and Brazil.
“The election will bring about a fundamental shift in Argentina’s political representation system,” said Julio Burdman, director of the consultancy Observatorio Electoral. “I believe all the political forces as we have known them are going to be transformed.”
The election story is dominated by the meteoric rise of economist and former TV commentator Milei, fueled by disillusionment with the traditional political parties. Milei currently holds a slight lead in opinion polls, but most predict a tight and uncertain race.
Massa, an experienced political figure, has been reclaiming votes with tax cuts and campaigns that highlight Milei’s radical spending reduction plans. The rift between the two candidates continues to divide the public.
“I’m going to vote for Massa because he’s the only option for us to continue living in a democratic country and where our rights are respected,” said Matias Kawior, 22, a student in Buenos Aires.
Milei, who once symbolized his budget cuts with a chainsaw at rallies, advocates for the privatization of state-owned companies and reforms in health and education. His supporters believe he is the only candidate capable of overthrowing the political “caste” and putting an end to the country’s prolonged crisis.
“You cannot vote for the current government under these conditions, and a blank vote will only favor it. Milei is the only viable option so that we do not end up in misery,” said Santiago Neria, a 34-year-old accountant.
In the first-round vote in October, Massa secured 36.7% of the votes compared to Milei’s 30%. The libertarian has since gained public support from third-place contender Patricia Bullrich, although it remains uncertain if all her votes will shift to him.
Whoever assumes the presidency must address the government and central bank’s depleted coffers, a $44 billion debt program with the International Monetary Fund, soaring inflation, and an array of capital controls.
Additionally, the new Congress, decided in the October vote, will be highly fragmented, with no single bloc having a majority. The eventual winner will need to seek support from other factions to pass legislation.
Voting will commence at 8 a.m. local time (1100 GMT) and polling stations will close at around 6 p.m., with the first official results expected a few hours later.
(Reporting by Nicolás Misculin; Additional reporting by Candelaria Grimberg; Editing by Rosalba O’Brien)
