Milei alters Argentine electoral rules to favor his base in the Legislature

Argentine President Javier Milei won an important victory in the House of Representatives with the approval of the suspension of primary, open, simultaneous and compulsory (Paso) elections in 2025. The government argues that the measure aims to reduce spending and simplify the electoral process, but critics They point out that change serves directly to the electoral interests of UltraLiberal, which seeks to consolidate its base and avoid internal disputes before the October legislative elections.

The project was approved by 162 votes in favor, 55 against and 28 abstentions, after a heated debate. The initial proposal provided for the definitive revocation of the Paso, but, given the resistance in Congress, the government opted for a temporary suspension, ensuring that the new system favors its electoral strategy without eliminating the mechanism once and for all.

Government seeks full control over applications

The Paso were created in 2009 to allow voters to choose, within each party, which candidates would compete for the general elections. With its suspension, the process of defining applications is again controlled directly by party leaders.

Deputy Esteban Paulón of the Federal Meeting criticized the decision: “The government needs to change the electoral calendar to serve its own interests. Milei wants to avoid internal disputes and reach October with the least deteriorated economy to maximize his chances in legislative elections. ”

The measure directly benefits Milei and his coalition, La Libertad Avanza (LLA), who faces difficulties to structure a solid and unified party. Without the Paso, the acronym can define applications in a centralized manner, avoiding internal divisions and consolidating strategic alliances without electorate interference.

Clean record: coup in opposition and ruling armor

Another key piece of the government’s electoral strategy is the Clean Record Bill, which will be voted next Wednesday (12). The proposal provides for the ineligibility of politicians convicted of corruption with a sentence confirmed in the second instance, which could prevent the candidacy of former President Cristina Kirchner and other opposing leaders.

The measure, supported by LLA, Pro and Radical Civic Union (UCR), was interpreted as an attempt to limit the return of traditional figures of Argentine politics and to strengthen Milei’s position in the elections. However, there is uncertainties about its approval in the Senate, where Peronism maintains strength.

Electoral Calculation and Political Future

The combination of the suspension of Paso and the approval of the Clean Record indicates that Milei is redesigning the electoral scenario to ensure a more favorable environment for his political project. The strategy seeks to eliminate competitors inside and outside the government, while advising a popular test of its administration for an economically more timely moment.

The opposition warns that these reforms can undermine democratic predictability and reinforce the tendency of power concentration in the executive. Still, the ruling base remains confident that it will be able to approve changes in the Senate and consolidate Milei’s political plan to 2025.