Argentina’s President Javier Milei has submitted a bill to Congress proposing significant changes to the nation’s electoral system. The proposed reforms seek to eliminate the PASO primaries, enhance transparency in campaign financing, and disqualify convicted criminals from holding office.

Comprehensive Electoral Reform Bill

The government presented a 79-article bill to Congress designed to fundamentally reshape Argentina’s electoral processes. The legislation addresses perceived flaws in the current system, focusing on transparency, cost reduction, and the elimination of practices considered detrimental to democratic principles.

Eliminating the PASO Primaries

A central component of the reform is the abolition of the Simultaneous and Mandatory Open Primaries (PASO). The presidency argues that PASO, which cost approximately 45 billion pesos ($32 million) in 2023, was an ineffective and costly experiment. The bill proposes returning primary elections to an internal party matter, removing government financial responsibility.

Changes to Party Registration and Funding

The bill introduces higher thresholds for political party registration and continued legal status, aiming to reduce the number of parties operating as business ventures. Digital membership registration is also proposed to streamline the process and encourage new political voices.

The government also seeks to eliminate allocated airtime for political propaganda, viewing it as an unjustified subsidy to media outlets. Increased transparency in political party financing is a key focus, with estimates suggesting only 10% of campaign funding is officially declared.

Eligibility for Office and “Clean Slate” Proposal

The proposed reforms include the government’s “Clean Slate” proposal, barring individuals convicted on appeal of intentional crimes from running for or holding public office. The government views this as a basic expectation of democratic governance.

Rationale Behind the Reforms

The overarching rationale, according to the presidency, is to dismantle a system designed to protect the political class at the expense of the Argentine people. President Milei, elected on a mandate to dismantle privileges, considers this electoral reform a crucial step towards restoring power to the citizenry.

The government asserts that the current system is expensive, opaque, susceptible to illicit funding, and unfairly subsidizes political leadership. This bill represents a decisive move to address these issues and build a more transparent and accountable electoral framework.