Argentines and Uruguayans to Vote on Sunday

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Yesterday, October 24th, was the last day of the electoral campaign in both countries. The polls predict a first-round victory for the slate with Alberto Fernandez and Cristina Kirchner in Argentina.

Results in the presidential election in Uruguay, on the other hand, are expected to be inconclusive, and require a second round vote in November.

In the primary elections in August this year, most Argentines voted for the return of Kirchnerism. The primaries, known as PASO (Primary, Open, Simultaneous and Mandatory) serve as a poll and were used to determine which parties and candidates were eligible to take part in the general elections.

The Peronist-Kirchnerist coalition comprising Alberto Fernández and Cristina Kirchner, who is currently a senator, received 47 percent of votes while Mauricio Macri, the country’s current president, got 32 percent of votes.

If these figures are repeated in Sunday’s elections, Fernández and Kirchner will win the race in the first round.

In Argentina, 45 percent of the vote is required, or 40 percent and a 10-point lead over the runner-up. A potential second-round vote will take place on November 24th. The new government will take office on December 10th.

Some 34 million Argentines are expected to vote for president, senators, deputies, and governors.

In Uruguay, the polls point to a second round. To win in the first round, the candidate is required to get 50 percent of votes plus one. The candidate with the most votes is Daniel Martínez, who holds approximately 33 percent. Martínez is from the left-wing Frente Amplio party, which has been in power for 15 years.

In second place in the polls is Luis Lacalle Pou, of the right-wing National Party, with 25 percent of the voting intentions.

In third place, virtually tied, are Ernesto Talvi, of the Partido Colorado, and Manini Ríos, of the Partido Cabildo Abierto, both with approximately 11 percent.

Uruguayans will vote for president, senators, and deputies. Some 2.7 million Uruguayans are eligible to vote. In the event of a second-round, voting will take place on November 24th, as in Argentina. The inauguration will take place on March 1st next year.

Source: Agência Brasil