Chaco Legislature suspends 2027 PASO elections

The Chaco Legislature has approved the suspension of the 2027 Primary, Open, Simultaneous, and Mandatory Elections (PASO) for one year. The initiative, promoted by Governor Leandro Zdero, passed with 17 votes in favor and zero against, following a session marked by the absence of most opposition deputies from the Frente Chaqueño block.

Decisive support came from Deputy Katia Blanc of the Frente Renovador, whose vote provided the necessary quorum. Blanc’s support was contingent on the reallocation of the estimated fiscal savings—between 4,000 and 5,000 million pesos—to the Ministry of Health. These funds will be specifically used to purchase medical supplies and equipment for the Dr. Avelino Castelán Pediatric Hospital in Resistencia.

The decision makes Chaco the first province in Argentina to suspend its primary elections, aligning with broader political strategies seen at the national level. The move has drawn sharp criticism from labor unions and opposition leaders, who argue that the suspension limits citizen participation and democratic mechanisms.