Argentina 2015 Presidential Election: Results and Analysis
The 2015 Argentine general election marked a significant political transition for the nation. Held across two rounds on October 25 and November 22, the election saw a high level of civic engagement, with turnout exceeding 80% in both stages. The process culminated in the victory of Mauricio Macri, ending the tenure of the Front for Victory (FPV) administration.
The election was characterized by a competitive race between two primary coalitions: Cambiemos (Let's Change), led by Mauricio Macri, and the Front for Victory (FPV), led by Daniel Scioli. While the first round resulted in a narrow lead for Scioli, the subsequent runoff—known as a ballottage—shifted the momentum toward Macri.
Key Facts
- Winner: Mauricio Macri (Cambiemos) won the presidency with 51.34% of the vote in the second round.
- Runner-up: Daniel Scioli (FPV) received 48.66% of the vote in the second round.
- Voter Turnout: Extremely high, recording 81.07% in the first round and 80.77% in the second.
- Legislative Impact: The FPV-PJ remained the largest party in the Chamber of Deputies with 60 seats, while Cambiemos secured 47.
- Senate Results: The FPV-PJ won 13 seats, while Cambiemos won 9.
The Presidential Race
The Candidates and Coalitions
The race was dominated by two major political blocs. Mauricio Macri, the former Chief of Government of Buenos Aires, led the Cambiemos coalition. This alliance included the Republican Proposal (PRO), the Radical Civic Union, and several other parties including the Civic Coalition ARI and the Democratic Progressive Party.
Opposing him was Daniel Scioli, the Governor of Buenos Aires, representing the Front for Victory (FPV). The FPV was a broad coalition led by the Justicialist Party (PJ) and supported by various other groups, including the Communist Party and the Humanist Party.
Other notable candidates included Sergio Massa of the United for a New Alternative (UNA), Nicolás del Caño of the Workers' Left Front (FIT), and Margarita Stolbizer of the Progresistas.
Primary and First Round Results
The primary elections set the stage, with Daniel Scioli securing the most votes (36.69%) and Mauricio Macri following with 28.57%. In the general election's first round on October 25, Scioli maintained a slight lead with 37.08% compared to Macri's 34.15%. Because no candidate achieved an absolute majority, a second-round runoff was required.
The Second Round Runoff
On November 22, 2015, the second round saw a shift in voter preference. Mauricio Macri secured the presidency with 12,988,349 votes (51.34%), defeating Daniel Scioli, who received 12,309,575 votes (48.66%).
Legislative and Parliamentary Outcomes
Alongside the presidential vote, elections were held for the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate. The results showed a divided government, as the FPV-PJ maintained significant influence in the legislature despite losing the presidency.
Chamber of Deputies
The FPV-PJ secured the most seats (60), followed by Cambiemos (47) and United for a New Alternative (17). The total turnout for this election was 81.06%.
The Senate
In the Senate, 24 seats were contested. The FPV-PJ won 13 seats, while Cambiemos won 9. The turnout for the Senate vote was slightly lower at 79.83%.
Mercosur Parliament
The elections also determined representation in the Mercosur Parliament. The Front for Victory won the most seats overall (26), followed by Cambiemos (12) and United for a New Alternative (4).
Election Summary Table
| Candidate | Coalition | First Round % | Second Round % | Final Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mauricio Macri | Cambiemos | 34.15% | 51.34% | Elected President |
| Daniel Scioli | Front for Victory | 37.08% | 48.66% | Runner-up |
| Sergio Massa | UNA | 21.39% | N/A | Eliminated |
International Reaction and Market Impact
The victory of Mauricio Macri was met with congratulations from various world leaders, including Angela Merkel of Germany, David Cameron of the UK, and presidents from Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, and Ecuador. Following the result, the financial sector responded positively, with the country's risk level dropping to levels not seen since 2011.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2015 Argentine presidential election?
Mauricio Macri of the Cambiemos coalition won the election, securing 51.34% of the vote in the second round.
Was there a runoff election in 2015?
Yes, because no candidate won a majority in the first round on October 25, a second-round runoff (ballottage) was held on November 22, 2015.
Which party held the most seats in the Chamber of Deputies after the election?
The Front for Victory (FPV-PJ) held the most seats in the Chamber of Deputies, winning 60 of the 257 seats.
What was the voter turnout for the presidential election?
Voter turnout was very high, with 81.07% of registered voters participating in the first round and 80.77% in the second round.
Who was the president of Argentina before the 2015 election?
The president before the 2015 election was Cristina Fernández de Kirchner of the Front for Victory (FPV-PJ).