The victory of the populist candidate serves as a strong criticism towards the established political system in a country grappling with severe economic challenges.
A far-right populist contender has sent shockwaves through Argentina's political framework, emerging as the frontrunner in a preliminary election aimed at selecting candidates for the upcoming presidential elections in October.
As approximately 90 percent of the ballots were tallied on Sunday, the far-right libertarian economist Javier Milei had garnered 30.5 percent of the vote, as per unofficial results – a significantly larger portion than anticipated.
The leading conservative opposition alliance trailed at 28 percent, while the incumbent Peronist coalition secured the third position with 27 percent.
The outcome represents a sharp reprimand to the center-left Peronist coalition and the principal Together for Change conservative opposition bloc, given the rampant 116 percent inflation and the cost-of-living crisis that has left four out of every ten individuals grappling with poverty.
"We embody the genuine opposition," Milei declared in a confident speech following the results. "An alternative Argentina cannot materialize if we continue with the same ineffective strategies of the past."
Participation in the primaries is mandatory for the majority of adults, with each individual having a single vote. This effectively serves as a trial run for the general election on October 22, offering a clear indication of the frontrunner for the presidency.
Widespread dissatisfaction has taken hold in Argentina, driven by the economic turmoil that has left numerous Argentinians disenchanted with the primary political factions. This environment has paved the way for Milei, who garnered backing by advocating for the replacement of the Argentine peso with the United States dollar.
The 52-year-old politician holds a strong admiration for former US President Donald Trump and has expressed his belief in the abolition of Argentina's Central Bank. Furthermore, he has publicly stated his skepticism about climate change, labeled sex education as a tactic to dismantle families, and advocated for relaxed regulations on handgun ownership.
At Milei's campaign headquarters in downtown Buenos Aires, party leaders were filled with joy, and outside, people celebrated, expressing optimism that their candidate's support would continue to grow leading up to October.
"I'm thrilled; we're seeking a change. We're weary of living like this," stated 19-year-old Franco Lesertessur. "All the nations that have adopted dollarization eventually progressed and put an end to inflation."
The outcomes "mirror the public's weariness of the political leadership and the absence of remedies within the spheres that have held consecutive power," explained Mariel Fornoni, the director of Management and Fit, a political consulting firm.
Fornoni pointed out that throughout the campaigns, the established political factions were "more focused on their internal dynamics than on addressing the actual needs of the people."
Within the primary opposition coalition, Together for Change, voters also seemed inclined towards a shift to the right, as former Security Minister Patricia Bullrich convincingly outperformed a more centrist contender, Buenos Aires Mayor Horacio Rodriguez Larreta.
Bullrich made it clear that she would collaborate with her rival in the lead-up to October.
"As Argentines, we live in distress, with fear, unable to dream, plan, or lead a normal life. However, today we have reasons to collaborate, to guide, and to lead a fundamental change in Argentina – a transformation that leaves corruption behind forever and paves the way for fiscal discipline," Bullrich stated.
On the other hand, the ruling coalition, Union for the Homeland, faced a strong backlash from voters due to the dire state of the economy, landing in third place in terms of total votes.
As anticipated, Economy Minister Sergio Massa secured the position as the coalition's presidential nominee, decisively overcoming leftist candidate Juan Grabois.
"We have a span of 60 days to reverse the course of this election," Massa conveyed to his supporters.
The voter turnout on Sunday stood at just below 70 percent, marking the lowest participation rate for a primary election since their inception over a decade ago in Argentina.
Whichever candidate emerges victorious in October, or possibly in a runoff in November, will face significant choices regarding the restoration of depleted foreign reserves, the enhancement of grain exports, the containment of inflation, and the strategy to untangle a complex web of currency controls.
Jorge Boloco, a 58-year-old merchant, expressed that Argentina requires a "path toward the future," but noted that none of the political parties presented a distinct and coherent direction for progress.
Maria Fernanda Medina, a 47-year-old teacher, shared that she had gradually lost her optimism regarding politicians' ability to bring about real change, following numerous years of recurrent economic crises.
"I don't hold a substantial amount of hope because, with each election, I experience a sense of disappointment," she expressed while casting her vote in Tigre, located on the outskirts of Buenos Aires.
"Nevertheless, we mustn't entirely relinquish hope, isn't that so?" she added.
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