Argentines vote in a primary election that will gauge the yearning for change amid economic turmoil

By DANIEL POLITI
Associated Press

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Argentines voted Sunday in a primary election that will act as a bellwether ahead of October general elections and give a hint at how eager citizens are for a change in a country that is suffering one of the world’s worst inflation rates. The primary, in which voting is mandatory, will determine who will be the presidential candidate in the main center-right opposition coalition. Whoever comes out on top will almost certainly be running against Economy Minister Sergio Massa, who is facing a leftist challenger to become the candidate of the governing coalition. The primary will also finally give a firm answer on how much traction upstart right-wing populist candidate Javier Milei has gained with voters. Center-left President Alberto Fernández decided not to run for reelection.