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Millions vote in crucial Argentina mid-term election President Macri's coalition 'ahead' in crucial Argentina mid-term election
(about 4 hours later)
Polls have closed in Argentina in congressional elections that could give President Mauricio Macri crucial support for his pro-market reforms. Argentina's President Mauricio Macri's coalition looks to be on course to make significant gains in the country's congressional elections.
Turnout was high across the country, with more 78% of registered voters taking part. Partial results show his centre-right alliance leading in the capital Buenos Aires, and in 15 out of 23 provinces at 22:00 local time (01:00 GMT).
A third of seats in the Senate are being contested, along with half of those in the lower house of congress. A strong showing would enable Mr Macri to complete his economic and institutional reforms.
Mr Macri was elected by a narrow margin two years ago and he doesn't have an outright majority. More than 78% of registered voters took part in the mid-term election.
A strong showing would enable him to complete his economic and institutional reforms. More than 33 million Argentines were eligible to take part in the vote, which saw a third of seats in the Senate contested, along with half of those in the lower house of congress.
More than 33 million Argentines are eligible to vote. Mr Macri was elected by a narrow margin two years ago and he doesn't have an outright majority. This election is being seen as a test of his ability to win re-election in 2019.
'Anti-people policies''Anti-people policies'
The most closely-watched race is in the province of Buenos Aires where the centre-left former President, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, is standing for the senate.The most closely-watched race is in the province of Buenos Aires where the centre-left former President, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, is standing for the senate.
"Cristina (Fernandez) is the only alternative we have to put a halt to Macri's anti-people policies," Graciela Mantilla, a 60-year-old housewife in Buenos Aires province told Reuters news agency. Although trailing Esteban Bullrich, who was Mr Macri's education minister, second place was enough for the 64-year-old to win one of the province's three Senate seats, under Argentina's list system.
Graciela Mantilla, a 60-year-old housewife in Buenos Aires province, told Reuters news agency Ms Fernandez was the only alternative to "Macri's anti-people policies".
Ms Fernandez has been critical of Mr Macri's record in office, saying his policies have increased poverty and inequality in Argentina.Ms Fernandez has been critical of Mr Macri's record in office, saying his policies have increased poverty and inequality in Argentina.
But sceptics say she is running for the Senate to get immunity from prosecution for the next six years.But sceptics say she is running for the Senate to get immunity from prosecution for the next six years.
She has been charged with illicit association and fraudulent administration.She has been charged with illicit association and fraudulent administration.
She has repeatedly denied the charges and said that illicit association "is a legal concept that has been used by all dictatorships to persecute their political opponents".She has repeatedly denied the charges and said that illicit association "is a legal concept that has been used by all dictatorships to persecute their political opponents".
Ms Fernandez served two terms from 2007 to December 2015. She succeeded her husband, the late Nestor Kirchner, who was in power from 2003 to 2007.Ms Fernandez served two terms from 2007 to December 2015. She succeeded her husband, the late Nestor Kirchner, who was in power from 2003 to 2007.
'No sign of violence'
The campaign was also dominated by the disappearance of an indigenous activist in Patagonia on 1 August, which shocked the country and soon became highly politicised.
The body of Santiago Maldonado, 28, was discovered on Tuesday in a river close to the place where he went missing after a confrontation between police and activists.
Forensic experts formally identified the body on Friday. They said he drowned and there was no sign of violence.
The opposition and Mr Maldonado's family blamed security agents for his death and accused the government of Mauricio Macri of covering up the crime.
After voting on Sunday morning, Mr Macri asked for calm while investigations proceed.