Deep Argentina rifts will mar elections and beyond

Significance

Like the governing Frente de Todos (Front of All, FdT), the opposition Juntos por el Cambio (Together for Change, JxC) coalition is divided by factional rivalries and a multiplicity of competing candidates who will face off in simultaneous open primaries (PASO) on August 13.

Impacts

• The “grieta” will persist and may deepen both between and within different political forces, undermining governability.
• Defections from parties and their congressional blocs are likely to mount as elections draw closer.
• The continuing economic decline will undermine both main coalitions and presents a perhaps insurmountable challenge to the next government.