Polls close in Argentina’s pivotal midterm elections

By Laura Gamba

BOGOTA, Colombia (AA) - Voting concluded Sunday in Argentina's pivotal midterm legislative elections, with ballot counting now underway across the country.

Polls were open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time (1100-2100GMT) as more than 36 million registered voters cast ballots to choose half of the country's 257 deputies and a third of its 72 senators.

Initial reports indicated a slow turnout, estimated at about 58% one hour before closing—a figure significantly lower than the 70% seen in previous local polls. Election results are expected to come in starting at 8 pm (2300GMT).

Far-right President Javier Milei, who cast his vote at the National Technological University (UTN) in the Buenos Aires middle class neighborhood of Almagro, faces a pivotal moment in his presidency. Voters are poised to deliver a verdict on his two-year-old administration.

In the midterms, the 55-year-old former TV celebrity is urgently seeking to strengthen his position in Congress to pass sweeping reforms for the crisis-stricken economy and reverse his declining popularity.

Milei’s negative image numbers are on the rise, reaching almost 48%, while his government’s approval rating is falling: a survey by consultancy Management & Fit shows 44% backing the government while 54% disapprove.

The president has faced recent political headwinds, including being pelted with stones by demonstrators in August. His party, La Libertad Avanza, also suffered a stinging defeat last month in the provincial election in Buenos Aires, home to 40% of Argentina’s population.

Political experts say that about 40% of the vote would be a victory for Milei's government. Still, he will need to forge agreements with other blocs in the newly configured Congress to uphold presidential vetoes and advance his legislative agenda.