Argentina is currently holding primary elections to determine the final candidates for the upcoming presidential ballot in October. These elections will also provide a clear indication of the likely final result as the country grapples with a severe economic crisis.
The polls opened at 8am (11:00 GMT) on Sunday, and the results are expected to start coming in from 9pm (00:00 GMT).
The primary elections are mandatory for most adults, with each person having one vote. This effectively serves as a large-scale rehearsal for the general election in October and offers a clear indication of the frontrunner for the presidency.
All candidates must receive a minimum of 1.5 percent of the vote to be eligible for the general election.
Outgoing President Alberto Fernandez has chosen not to seek re-election due to his extremely low approval ratings, soaring annual inflation of over 100 percent, increasing poverty rates, and a rapidly depreciating currency.
The two main political blocs are currently engaged in internal leadership battles, and the outcome of the vote will determine the presidential candidate for the main center-right opposition coalition. This coalition sees Buenos Aires Mayor Horacio Rodriguez Larreta competing against former Security Minister Patricia Bullrich.
Source from www.aljazeera.com