The election day in Argentina, held on Sunday (19), has been marked by the call of President Alberto Fernández for respect for democracy. As the government candidate Sergio Massa and his far-right opponent Javier Milei compete to become the new head of state, starting from December 10th, the president urged Argentines to participate in the voting process with enthusiasm and respect for democratic values.
Fernández made his statement shortly after casting his vote at a polling station at the Catholic University in Buenos Aires’ Puerto Madero neighborhood, at around 9:45 am. He reminded journalists present that he had taken precautions to avoid answering their questions due to restrictions set forth by the Electoral Court, which have been in effect since Friday morning (18).
Despite not participating much in the election campaign or attending public events recently, Fernández expressed his optimism about the future of Argentina and encouraged citizens to exercise their right to vote. Around 35.8 million Argentines are eligible to vote today, with mandatory voting for those aged between 18 and 70 and optional voting for adults and teenagers aged 16 and 17, as well as residents abroad.
In recent days, Milei’s party A Liberdade Avança has raised concerns about possible fraud in the elections, which prompted Fernández’s call for calmness and respect for democracy. The president ended his term on December 10th after deciding not to run for re-election.
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