Two Sundays ago Argentina held the much awaited presidential election. Anticipation brewed the week before: By how much will Christina win? Nobody doubted that the reigning Presidenta Christina Fernández would be re-elected, but by how much was the real debate. Turns out, by a landslide. She took 53.96% of the votes with the closest candidate at a fraction of that amount. Many say it was due to a lack of organized competition, her success among the poor, rural communities, and of course because the love that many people still have for her husband and former president, the deceased Nestor Kirchner. The latter being an obvious campaigning tool used by Frente para la Victoria party in posters littering every open space featuring Nestor and his wife, Christina at his side. Almost as if he were running, not the actual President herself.
The post win celebration, announced just a couple of hours after the polls closed, was quite the event. We passed by the hotel at which the President was staying and filmed some of the most passionate supporters on our way to Plaza de Mayo where everyone was decked out in Christina gear, listening to blaring music, shooting fireworks, and of course drinking beer. From 6 o'clock the night before a 'dry' mandate required that no alcohol be sold or consumed in public spaces, bars, or liquor stores, but the moment those polls closed, it was right back to normal. We spent about an hour wandering the plaza, climbing ladders for better angles, and taking in the atmosphere, very similar to a celebration we may see in the states after elections. Our friend Chris was even interviewed by a radio station curious as to how these elections differ from those in the US. The biggest difference? A compulsory vote. That's right. Argentinians are required to vote, being charged a fine if any of the squares in their identity card is missing the official stamp. I'm still hesitant to be convinced that this is an effective measure in a democratic society, but most locals I've spoken with fully believe in the voting system. If only they could get some variety in their presidential candidate options!
For those of you more curious about me than Christina, I can say that the past couple of weeks have been...eventful. Kristin and I spent a few days in the 'mansion' but left after the vacationers decided not to stay in our apartment. After being shoved into a shared room in the attic of a big beautiful house, losing a bag during the bustle, having some crazy conversations and uncomfortable run ins with the landlord, we were definitely ready to come 'home'. Because that's what it has become. Our little pad dubbed 'La Morena' has been more than a place to rest our sleepy adventure filled heads. Other than the missing bag, I really couldn't be happier! xo
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