Argentina's PASO Reform Stalls as Bullrich Pushes Senate Vote

The Argentine government is struggling to reach an internal consensus on electoral reform, while Security Minister Patricia Bullrich is pushing to fast-track a vote on eliminating or suspending primary elections, according to Página|12.

The debate over the future of PASO (open, simultaneous, and mandatory primaries) has returned to the Senate, but the ruling coalition lacks agreement with its allies, Infobae reports. Bullrich has stated that "suspending or eliminating PASO is more or less the same thing," according to Clarin.com.

The proposed political reform would tighten requirements for political parties to qualify for elections, which could make it difficult for several smaller parties to remain eligible, La Nación reports. The government's push comes as it seeks to streamline the electoral calendar ahead of upcoming contests.

According to Cadena 3 Argentina, Bullrich has managed to unblock the political reform process, and the debate is expected to resume in the Senate in September. However, the lack of consensus among allied blocs suggests the path forward remains uncertain.

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The reform is part of a broader effort by the government to reshape the political landscape, but the internal divisions within the ruling coalition have slowed progress. Página|12 characterizes the government as "bogged down" on the issue, even as Bullrich moves quickly to force a decision.

The Senate debate is scheduled to resume next month, but whether the government can secure enough votes to pass the reform remains an open question. Observers will be watching whether Bullrich's urgency can overcome the internal and external resistance to changing the current primary system.