Argentinians voted this Sunday amidst an atmosphere full of speculation, ‘fake news’ and real uncertainty about poll results. What is at stake this Sunday is much more than a rivalry because of the danger represented by the rise of far-right Javier Milei. The country held its breath as it waited for hours for the final inspection. Sergio Massa and conservative Patricia Bullrich urged not to rush to express an opinion.
The far right began circulating information about anomalies on networks. National Electoral Chamber (CNE) We demand that an atmosphere of undue anxiety is not created. “All complaints require – essentially – the identification of the person making the complaint. (Anonymous is not valid).” In this sense, he emphasized that “alternative methods organized by political groups, candidates or individuals that do not verify the identity of the person making the complaint do not have legal validity.”
Milei ranked first in the pre-race pollsMassa accompanied despite not having enough votes to avoid a runoff on 19 November. Some analysts warned on Sunday may result in surprises not predicted by the surveys.
newspaper, elections ‘La Nación’ “will mark so much of this country’s existence, almost without revealing the signs of its tragedy.” This drama, devoid of visible symptoms, “partially explains impotence of pollsters to deliver reliable and accurate results on the eve of the electoral law”.
Candidates’ opinions
While voting, Milei expressed confidence in an uncontested victory. “We are in a position to The best government in history!“. Bullrich said, “How will I retire if I become president?” Former president Mauricio Macri, the leader in this field, assured that the former Minister of Security will participate in the second round of elections. “We remained without a government during this period. Argentina but today is the day of hope“.
Massa, who is also Minister of Economy, tried to dramatize the exceptional circumstances. “Argentina continues on MondayWe were working yesterday, our responsibility is to protect the jobs and savings of Argentinians. “There are those who are trying to somehow influence the will of the people through fear, we need to convey calm.”
Vice President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who has been keeping a low profile for weeks, also had something to say. “I wish for a more sensitive country. Everyone responsible must agree, as necessary, to see how we get out of this mess, which means borrowing into the Fund (International Currency) and implies inflationary policies. We need attitudes that do not want to subject ourselves to foreign policies. The agreement needs to be discussed again.” According to him, political parties need to reach a consensus to put the conditions agreed with the organization on the return of the $46 billion that Macri promised in 2018 at the center of public debate.
Also what’s at stake
This Sunday’s elections will also draw the new map in Congress: Half of the House of Representatives and one-third of the Senate have been renewed. Peronism (officialism) puts more seats at risk. It is already known that the far right will have a much larger bloc than it currently has, and this represents a political and cultural change in Argentina.