Preelection: Legislative Elections in Argentina
Political AnalisysOn Sunday, October 26, Argentines will elect 127 deputies and 24 senators, a vote that will determine whether the ruling coalition (La Libertad Avanza and its allies) strengthens its legislative power or whether the opposition consolidates its ability to block and negotiate. It marks a turning point for Javier Milei’s government, serving as a vote of confidence or punishment for his first two years in office.
For the first time, the Single Paper Ballot will be used in national elections. The performance of third parties and the potential fragmentation or unification of the opposition are expected to shape the balance of power in both chambers.
In the Chamber of Deputies, the ruling coalition risks fewer seats than most opposition forces, while moderate blocs face greater turnover — a factor that could further polarize Congress.
In the Senate, the government is not defending any seats this time, but it remains far from reaching the one-third threshold needed to uphold presidential vetoes. The Peronist opposition and provincial blocs could form temporary majorities.
Throughout 2025, congressional fragmentation and the growing use of legislative tools such as floor motions have allowed the opposition to set the agenda and limit the administration’s actions. There have been 20 such motions, rejections of executive decrees, veto overrides, and the creation of investigative committees to probe corruption cases.
The ruling coalition will need to build agreements with multiple blocs — especially third forces — to ensure governability and legislative stability.
The post-election outlook points to a highly fragmented Congress in which neither the ruling party nor the opposition will hold a clear majority, making the role of moderate and provincial blocs crucial.