Argentina electoral reform faces Senate deadlock

The Argentine government is facing significant political challenges in its attempt to reform the electoral system and suspend the PASO (Primary, Open, Simultaneous, and Mandatory) elections. Efforts to pass the reform are currently stalled in the Senate, as the administration struggles to secure the absolute majority of 37 votes required for such a change.

Internal friction has emerged between Chief of Staff Diego Santilli and Senate leader Patricia Bullrich. While Santilli seeks the necessary votes, Bullrich has indicated that support within the chamber may not reach even 30 votes. This lack of consensus has led to speculation that the suspension of the primaries might be postponed until 2027.

In the province of Entre Ríos, Governor Rogelio Frigerio is also considering the suspension of PASO, stating he will consult with 28 groups within his coalition. Critics argue that modifying electoral rules so frequently undermines institutional predictability and suggest that aligning provincial elections with national ones would be a more effective way to reduce costs and voter fatigue.