Argentina's Senate began treatment of the electoral reform pushed by Javier Milei's government this Wednesday. The Constitutional Affairs Committee meeting highlighted tensions between the ruling party and allies over handling Ficha Limpia.
The informative session took place in the Arturo Illia Hall of the Legislative Palace and was chaired by Senator Agustín Coto. María Luz Alegría Landívar, adviser to the Interior Ministry, defended the comprehensive 78-article bill that includes eliminating the PASO primaries, changes to political parties and the incorporation of Ficha Limpia.
Landívar noted there are 44 national parties and 710 district ones enabled, and proposed raising affiliation requirements, such as in Buenos Aires where they would rise from 4,000 to around 10,000 affiliates. She also argued that the PASO account for between 30% and 40% of election costs.
Dialoguist allies seek to treat Ficha Limpia separately, as it enjoys broader consensus, while the government prefers keeping the full package. The debate remains subject to further talks and Coto called for a recess.
