Nominations clarify political panorama in Argentina

Significance

The deadline also revealed party lists for congressional seats -- and that President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner will not be a candidate for public office once her term expires in December. Rather, she will aim to ensure that loyalists gain a strong presence in Congress -- and the executive -- through which she can exercise behind-the-scenes influence.

Impacts

• Neither Scioli nor Macri has been specific on economic policy, despite much speculation as to their intentions.
• The diffusion of the opposition vote favours Scioli, although some of it would shift to Macri in the event of a second round.
• Despite some weariness with the current administration, public opinion favours continuity in many social policies.