The Senate approved a law that suspends the primary, open, simultaneous, and mandatory elections (PASO) for the year 2025. The debate over this measure reflected the different positions of Argentine lawmakers.
Senator Alejandra Vigo from Unidad Federal-Córdoba supported the initiative, although she acknowledged that modifying the electoral legislation in an election year was not the most opportune thing. Meanwhile, Peronist Daniel Bensusan (UxP-La Pampa) expressed criticisms and concerns about the national debt with his province and the potential confusion that the single ballot could generate.
The ruling legislators in their respective provinces supported the suspension of the PASO, arguing that this measure was necessary, while the opposition defended them as an essential mechanism to organize party primaries. The Peronism/Kirchnerism allowed its members to act freely on this issue to avoid internal conflicts.
Despite the divisions and debates, the law was approved with 43 votes in favor, 20 against, and 6 abstentions in an extraordinary session. Although initially some legislators announced their opposing position, some eventually abstained or changed their vote. The cost of elections, low citizen participation, and interference in party primaries were some of the key arguments mentioned during the discussion.
The opposing positions and the varied arguments presented during the vote reflect the strong political and regional divisions that will continue to influence the Argentine electoral landscape leading up to the general elections.
