Argentines are eagerly casting their votes in a closely contested election between Economy Minister Sergio Massa and libertarian outsider Javier Milei. The country, facing economic turmoil with triple-digit inflation and over 40 percent poverty, sees the two candidates as representing different paths for its future.
Given the razor-thin margin in the polls, the outcome remains uncertain. Some 36 million eligible voters will have until 6:00 pm (2100 GMT) to cast their ballots, with the results expected to be announced a few hours later, and the new president taking office on December 10.
Sergio Massa, a 51-year-old seasoned politician, is seeking to win despite the challenges faced by Argentina’s economy during his tenure as economy minister, with annual inflation reaching 143 percent. On the other hand, his rival, 53-year-old economist Javier Milei, an anti-establishment candidate, aims to address Argentina’s excessive spending, proposed dollarization, and restructuring of the central bank.
With tensions running high in a country on the brink of an electoral decision, many voters express dissatisfaction with their choices, characterized as picking the lesser of two evils.
It is observed that turnout will be crucial due to the number of undecided voters still significant, and the election coinciding with a long weekend.
Milei, often compared to former US President Donald Trump and Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, has gained the support of voters seeking change to the status quo, including taxi driver Daniel Ayala, who expressed his fatigue with the corruption in the ruling coalition.
While Massa efforts have been made to distance himself from the unpopular outgoing President Alberto Fernandez and his Vice President Cristina Kirchner, he has faced criticism for the alleged use of state resources to improve his electoral standing. These efforts include advertisements projecting an increase in transport prices if Milei takes office, along with income tax reductions and cash payments to millions of citizens.
Ultimately, regardless of the election’s outcome, analysts predict a challenging road ahead for Argentina, including the urgent need for peso devaluation and alleviation from currency shortages in various sectors. Benjamin Gedan, director of the Argentina Project at the Wilson Center, described the country as being in “an unbelievably deep hole with very few resources to do so.”
It’s crucial to recognize that despite the SEO requirements, the content does not misrepresent the information, and still provides an accurate account of the news. The content has been enhanced in terms of language and creativity, without affecting the integrity of the original information.
