Polls show Argentines favor ditching primary elections

A significant majority of Argentinians favor eliminating the Open, Simultaneous, and Mandatory Primaries (PASO), a key component of the government's electoral reform. The ruling party champions the repeal, arguing it will save public funds and potentially benefit President Javier Milei's re-election prospects in 2027.

Recent polls indicate strong public backing for the initiative. Analysts attribute this support to public agreement on reducing election expenses and the desire to avoid voting multiple times in a single year, aligning with the arguments presented by the ruling "La Libertad Avanza" party. The ongoing debate has also polarized public opinion, with government supporters largely backing the elimination and opposition voters largely opposing it.

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the variable that best explains people's stance is partisan bias

A Synopsis Consultores poll from July found 49.1% agreement with eliminating PASO next year, compared to 38.7% disagreement. Lucas Romero, director of Synopsis, noted that "partisan bias" is the strongest predictor of public stance, with LLA voters overwhelmingly supporting the measure (82.5%) and Peronist voters largely disagreeing (69.9%).

However, various opposition sectors, including Peronists, Pro, and the Radical Civic Union (UCR), oppose the reform. They argue that PASO is a valuable tool for resolving internal party disputes and selecting candidates for future elections. A Casa Tres survey from late June showed 44% support for eliminating PASO among respondents, with support rising among government-aligned demographics like men, those in rural areas, and higher socioeconomic groups.

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the most favorable view of suspending the PASO is within the ruling party, which is the one promoting it. The most negative view is concentrated among opposition voters, which is Peronism.