Argentines vote with liberals slight favorite amid economic turmoil

Argentines cast their vote in a closely contested presidential race, presenting two divergent visions for the country’s future amid widespread discontent over triple-digit inflation and rising poverty.

Peronist Economy Minister Sergio Massa, who is leading the country out of its worst economic crisis in two decades, faces hard-line liberal outsider Javier Meili, who has a slight lead in pre-vote surveys.

Miley advocates economic shock therapy, proposing drastic measures such as closing the central bank, abandoning the peso, and implementing significant spending cuts.

While these reforms resonate with voters frustrated by economic challenges, they also raise concerns about potential austerity measures.

Many Argentines, disagreeing with either candidate, see the election as a choice between the “lesser evil” and fear of Miley’s economic measures against anger at Massa for the ongoing economic crisis.

The outcome, regardless of the winner, will reshape Argentina’s political landscape, economic trajectory and trade relations involving grain, lithium and hydrocarbons, as well as its diplomatic relations with China, the United States, Brazil and other countries.

This election represents a deep rift in Argentina’s political representation, with the potential to change existing political forces.

Miley has a slight lead in opinion polls, but the race remains tight and uncertain. Massa is gaining support by running campaigns highlighting tax cuts and Miley’s radical proposals.

Voters grappled with conflicting sentiments, with some expressing discomfort with Miley’s policies, while others viewed Massa as a known, if not entirely satisfactory, entity.

Voter frustration over the enduring economic crisis could prove decisive under Massa’s leadership. The election also marks the unexpected rise of Miley, a 53-year-old economist and former TV pundit who has been inspired by widespread disillusionment with traditional political parties.