Kirchner back as Argentina names key vote contenders

BUENOS AIRES: President Mauricio Macri’s coalition solidified its lead as Argentina’s biggest political force in primary votes that also saw the return of fiery leftist former leader Cristina Kirchner.

The compulsory votes are a formality to officially name the candidates teed up by their parties to fight the Oct 22 legislative elections.

Macri’s liberal economic reforms in the poverty- stricken country appeared to have survived the test, two years into his term, with the Cambiemos coalition leading in the country’s five biggest provinces.

“This is the change Argentines want,” Macri told supporters.

“Results don’t come overnight for things done seriously,” he added, speaking to those suffering from the impact of inflation and unemployment, with about a third of the population living in poverty.

Much of the focus for the vote was on Buenos Aires, a province home to about 40 per cent of voters that stretches from the capital to the Pampas plains, and Kirchner’s results.

Kirchner, 64, dominated Argentine politics for years alongside her late husband before leaving office in 2015.

She scored 34 per cent support for her bid to get a senate seat, despite facing corruption charges which she says are politically motivated. Her score barely lagged behind ruling party candidate Esteban Bullrich, who got 34.3 per cent with nearly 90 per cent of the ballots counted.

A seat in the Senate would spare Kirchner jail if convicted of corruption. Her supporters hope it could also pave the way for a fresh presidential bid in 2019. Her campaign is a headache for conservative Macri, 58. — AFP