Argentina government shifts focus to eliminating mandatory primary elections

Argentina's government is shifting its focus to eliminating the mandatory primary elections, known as PASO, by 2027. This strategic pivot sidelines a previously considered plan to allow different sub-national candidate lists to merge and collect votes for a single presidential candidate, a concept that reportedly failed to gain traction within the ruling party.

Instead, officials and legislative leaders now aim to advance the original proposal submitted to Congress by the executive branch. This initiative encompasses more than just the abolition of PASO; it also seeks to impose stricter criteria for the survival of political parties, increase private funding for campaigns while reducing public financing, introduce a "full slate" voting option on paper ballots for national positions, and implement a "clean slate" rule to disqualify candidates with confirmed convictions in the second instance.

The proposed reforms were introduced in the Senate on April 22 but have seen no concrete progress beyond informational meetings. The legislative process has been complicated by disagreements between the ruling party and its allies, Pro and UCR, regarding how to approach a reform with significant implications for the upcoming electoral contest. Despite the government's initial desire for swift approval, consensus has remained elusive.

With the second half of the year underway and the electoral calendar approaching, the government is now working to bridge divides. Sources indicate a desire for a decision before October, prompting signals to governors and allied blocs. Chief of Staff Diego Santilli is touring provinces, addressing governors' concerns from road concessions and pending projects to energy tariffs. In Congress, the ruling party has facilitated the functioning of stalled commissions and is considering initiatives from provincial legislators and allies.