Argentina 2021 Midterm Elections: Results and Political Shift
The 2021 midterm elections in Argentina marked a significant turning point in the country's political landscape. Held on November 14, 2021, these elections determined the composition of the Chamber of Deputies (the lower house) and the Senate (the upper house). The results reflected a growing public dissatisfaction with the economic climate, specifically regarding rising poverty and high inflation.
The electoral process was notably impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally, the Open, Simultaneous and Mandatory Primaries (PASO)—the mandatory primary elections used to determine which candidates can run in the general election—were scheduled for August 8, 2021. However, due to the health crisis, they were postponed to September 12. While the ruling Frente de Todos coalition initially proposed scrapping the primaries entirely, the opposition Juntos por el Cambio opposed this, leading to a compromise to reschedule them alongside the general election cycle.
Key Facts
- Big Winner: Juntos por el Cambio secured the most seats in both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate.
- Historic Loss: For the first time since the return of democracy in 1983, the Justicialist Party (via Frente de Todos) lost its majority in the Senate.
- Voter Turnout: Participation was high, with 71.39% for the Chamber of Deputies and 70.83% for the Senate.
- Economic Drivers: Observers linked the ruling coalition's losses to widespread anger over inflation and poverty.
- Emerging Forces: The Libertarians gained a foothold, securing 4 seats in the Chamber of Deputies.
Chamber of Deputies Results
In the Chamber of Deputies, 127 of the 257 total seats were up for election. The opposition coalition, Juntos por el Cambio, emerged as the dominant force, capturing 42.13% of the vote and winning 61 seats.
The ruling Frente de Todos suffered a notable defeat, particularly in the province of Buenos Aires, a traditional stronghold. They garnered 34.17% of the vote, resulting in 50 seats—11 fewer than their primary rivals. Other smaller parties also secured representation, including the Libertarians and the Workers' Left Front, both winning 4 seats each.
Detailed Seat Distribution: Chamber of Deputies
| Party / Alliance | Vote % | Seats Won |
|---|---|---|
| Juntos por el Cambio | 42.13% | 61 |
| Frente de Todos | 34.17% | 50 |
| Libertarians | 7.23% | 4 |
| Workers' Left Front | 5.53% | 4 |
| Vamos con Vos – Federal Consensus | 5.51% | 4 |
| Other Parties | 3.43% | 4 |
Senate Results
The Senate elections saw 24 of the 72 total seats contested. Similar to the lower house, Juntos por el Cambio performed strongly, winning 46.88% of the vote and securing 14 seats.
Frente de Todos secured 28.12% of the vote and 9 seats. The loss of the Senate majority is considered a major political setback for the ruling coalition, limiting its legislative control. A single seat was won by the Vamos con Vos – Federal Consensus alliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the PASO elections postponed?
The Open, Simultaneous and Mandatory Primaries (PASO) were postponed from August 8 to September 12, 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Which party won the most seats in the 2021 midterms?
Juntos por el Cambio was the big winner, securing 61 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 14 seats in the Senate.
What was the significance of the Senate results for Frente de Todos?
Frente de Todos lost its majority in the Senate for the first time since the return of democracy in 1983, which is viewed as a severe setback for the ruling government.
What factors contributed to the ruling coalition's loss?
Political observers attributed the losses to widespread public anger over high inflation and rising poverty levels in Argentina.
What was the voter turnout for the elections?
The turnout was 71.39% for the Chamber of Deputies and 70.83% for the Senate.