This week, the Congress of Argentina approved a significant reform to its electoral process with the introduction of the Single Paper Ballot (BUP), marking a notable shift from a century-old individual paper ballot system. This change, set to be implemented in the 2025 legislative elections, aims to streamline the voting process by providing voters with a single ballot that includes all candidates for a given election. Voters will now simply mark their chosen candidate on this consolidated ballot, which proponents argue will simplify and enhance the integrity of the voting experience.
The legislative proposal was primarily advocated by lawmakers from the ruling Liberty Advances party, headed by President Javier Milei, and was ratified with a vote of 143 in favor, 87 against, and five abstentions. While the bill gained bipartisan support, the leftist Union for the Fatherland bloc largely opposed it, signaling a sharp division in response to the proposed changes. Supporters from the Liberty Advances party hailed the approval as a triumph for democracy, claiming it would eradicate corrupt practices associated with the previous voting system, specifically citing issues such as ballot theft.
Historically, the old system mandated that political parties, funded by the government, create and distribute individual ballots at polling stations. Voters would then receive a blank envelope and proceed to a designated area to cast their vote by selecting from the individual paper ballots—a process criticized for its complexity and susceptibility to abuse. Reportedly, funds allocated for ballot printing were sometimes misappropriated, leading to monopolistic tendencies in printing services, and part of the electorate often found it challenging to participate due to unequal distribution responsibilities favoring larger parties over smaller ones.
In stark contrast, the new BUP model is set to standardize the ballot creation process, driven by the Argentine Interior Ministry. This official ballot will display all participating parties in columns, and the order of candidates will be determined through a draw to ensure fairness. Each party will occupy an equal portion of the ballot space, allowing voters to mark their chosen candidates succinctly. The new system is designed to enhance voter autonomy, permitting individuals to select candidates from different parties without needing to navigate the cumbersome process of cutting ballots in previous elections.
Experts have noted that the BUP not only facilitates a more straightforward voting experience but also allows voters a broader choice, enabling them to support candidates across party lines. Additionally, the system includes provisions for casting blank votes, further empowering voters to express their preferences. This reform is expected to reduce logistical challenges and ensure that all parties have an equal opportunity to participate in elections, transforming the electoral landscape in Argentina.
In a statement celebrating the bill’s passage, the Argentine presidency declared the approval a vital step in addressing democratic deficits, framing the BUP as a remedy to the fraudulent practices that had permeated the electoral system over the past century. The statement emphasized that this new instrument represents a commitment to uphold electoral integrity while fostering an environment of legitimate representation. This move is positioned as part of a broader vision for a “new Argentina,” asserting a future built on democratic principles, economic order, and an effective security and judicial apparatus, ultimately aiming to enhance the political culture in the country.