Overview
- Recent polls point to a close contest, with Red Uno showing Quiroga at 42.9% to Paz’s 38.7% and Ipsos/Unitel measuring 44.9% to 36.5%, leaving a notable share of undecided voters.
- Voters are prioritizing an acute downturn marked by the highest inflation since 1991, persistent fuel and dollar shortages, long lines for basic goods, and cross‑border smuggling pressure.
- Quiroga, a former president, is campaigning on shock fiscal adjustment and multilateral support, citing talks toward an IMF‑backed bailout to stabilize the currency and secure fuel supplies.
- Paz, a centrist senator who led the first round with about 32%, proposes formalizing parts of the black market, tax amnesties, and decentralization while pledging to preserve social benefits.
- New electoral safeguards will photograph tally sheets and transmit them directly, with EU and OAS observers on hand as authorities aim to publish 80% of preliminary results on election night and seat the winner on Nov. 8.