Photo Post: Argentina’s Election Ballots

For those of you who follow politics but aren’t familiar with Argentina’s electoral system, here are two photos of typical ballots being used to vote this Sunday. The first corresponds to the ruling Victory Front Party ticket led by former president Néstor Kirchner. The ex president is one of few people on the 35-candidate ticket who has actually promised to take office if elected.

Many of the other people on the ticket are so-called “testimonial” candidates, meaning they may not actually take office if elected. If this sounds nonsensical, it is, so don’t worry if it doesn’t make any sense – because it really doesn’t.

The No. 2 candidate on Kirchner’s ticket is Buenos Aires Province Governor Daniel Scioli, who has refused to say publicly if he will take office if elected. The No. 3 candidate is actress and singer Nacha Guevarra, who is known more than anything for the work she’s done on stage as well as the surgical work she’s had done on her face. Sergio Massa, who is currently cabinet chief for President Cristina Fernández, is fourth on the ticket. It’s not clear if he will take office if he wins.

Most of the rest of the other candidates on Krichner’s ticket are basically unknown to the general public.

The second photo is of a ballot for the wealthy businessman and leading opposition candidate Francisco de Narváez and his Union Pro party. The No. 2 candidate on De Narváez’s ticket is former Buenos Aires Province governor Felipe Solá. Most of the other people on the ticket are largely unknown.

For more on the election, check out these WSJ stories here and here.

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