Milei Takes His ‘Chainsaw’ Approach to Politics: Proposes Electoral Reform to Eliminate Primaries

Original article: Milei lleva la motosierra a la política: manda al Senado una reforma electoral para eliminar las primarias

The President of Argentina, Javier Milei, aims to bring his controversial «chainsaw» approach to politics by submitting an electoral reform proposal to the Senate that seeks to eliminate primary elections entirely.

The ultraconservative leader’s objective is to reshape the electoral framework of the Southern nation through a comprehensive set of measures, including the abolition of the PASO (Open, Simultaneous, and Mandatory Primaries), the establishment of strict requirements for political parties, the implementation of a Single Paper Ballot (BUP), modifications to political financing, and the introduction of the so-called “Clean Record” (Ficha Limpia).

The legislation promoted by Milei, titled «Comprehensive Electoral Reform Law«, consists of 79 articles and was submitted on Tuesday afternoon, as announced on his social media by the self-styled libertarian.

Arguing the need to «save more than $200 million«, the initiative proposes to repeal the current PASO system, which was created in 2009 during the presidency of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

The package also tightens requirements for political parties. For instance, to be considered a national party, presence in ten districts will be required, up from five as it currently stands.

Additionally, free advertising spaces will be eliminated and groups will be allowed to forgo annual public funding, as reported by Página/12.

In a nod to governors, Article 25 allows that, in simultaneous elections, the Single Paper Ballot can include local offices, potentially integrating provincial ballots with the national ones.

Regarding financing, the proposal imposes stricter controls on public and private contributions, with clear limits on donations.

The package sent to the Upper House also contains a framework for the so-called “Clean Record” system, which states that individuals convicted of a serious crime confirmed in second instance will be barred from running for elective office.

This restriction also applies to the Executive Branch, affecting ministers, secretaries, heads of state enterprises, and high-ranking officials.

Milei’s stated aim is to “end impunity” and exclude convicted individuals from public office. However, he overlooked the fact that this initiative was previously rejected in the same Senate a year ago.

The Paradox of Milei’s Arguments for Eliminating Primaries

The President’s Office described the bill’s submission to the Senate, highlighting the supposed economic savings that the elimination of primaries could generate.

“In the 2023 PASO, the state had to absorb 45 billion pesos,” they noted.

“The Argentine electoral system has a fundamental problem: it is costly, opaque, encourages financing with black money, and senselessly subsidizes political leadership,” they argued in a statement.

Paradoxically, as noted by Página/12, Milei submitted this package of measures, which allegedly seeks to reduce opacity and black money in politics, while his own Chief of Staff, Manuel Adorni, “cannot explain his assets” and is under investigation for illicit enrichment.

With 79 articles, the libertarian chainsaw with which he intends to redesign electoral rules now awaits discussion in the Senate.