Insfrán and PJ Score Landslide Win in Formosa

- Gildo Insfrán secured more than two-thirds of the vote in Formosa.
- Partido Justicialista candidates received 67.15 percent of the votes counted.
- Insfrán aims to amend the constitution for indefinite re-election.
- Opposition parties received just under 21 percent of the vote.
- Ex-president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner congratulated Insfrán on his victory.
Insfrán’s Victory Marks Continued Dominance of Peronism in Formosa
On Sunday, Gildo Insfrán, the eight-term Peronist Governor of Formosa Province, achieved an impressive victory, securing more than two-thirds of the votes in an election with an estimated electorate turnout of over 60 percent. With 97 percent of the votes counted, the candidates from the Partido Justicialista (PJ) garnered a commanding 67.15 percent of the total votes. In stark contrast, the opposition, represented by the Frente Amplio Formoseño, received just under 21 percent, while the La Libertad Avanza list managed only 11 percent, illustrating a significant disparity between the ruling party and its challengers.
Constituent Assembly Focuses on Constitutional Amendments
The results of this election were not just pivotal for the governor himself; they laid the groundwork for Insfrán’s attempt to reinforce his grip on provincial power through a constituent assembly. This assembly aims to revise the provincial constitution, particularly an article that the Supreme Court has already scrutinized regarding Insfrán’s indefinite re-election. In the recent elections, Formosa selected 15 provincial deputies and 30 delegates for the constituent assembly, with Peronism once again showcasing its institutional strength, with candidates securing 67.25 percent of the votes in assembly elections. Insfrán has lorded over this northern region since 1995, and with the help of the PJ, the party completed 56 electoral lists, bringing home yet another victory, underscoring the party’s deep-rooted influence.
Opposition’s Responses and Future Speculations
During the campaign, Insfrán strategically bypassed local rivals, directing his rhetoric at the national administration led by President Javier Milei. Even though he wasn’t on the ballot, his persona was unmistakably dominant throughout the campaign trail, culminating in pointed criticisms of the national economic policies, made even on election day. Looking ahead, the objective of reforming the provincial constitution, particularly the article allowing indefinite re-election, poses significant implications. It aims to ensure that Insfrán can potentially secure two more terms in office, which would extend his tenure until he is 82 years old. Analysts within the opposition are already preparing to challenge this move via the Supreme Court, contemplating legal action to prevent any further candidacy from Insfrán, while some speculate he could have plans for a successor to continue his legacy.
Gildo Insfrán’s recent decisive victory in the Formosa elections reveals the substantial hold the Partido Justicialista continues to have over the province. With ambitions to amend the provincial constitution for indefinite re-election, this suggests a potential extension of Insfrán’s political dynasty. The opposition, not resting idle, is already poised to respond to any further efforts by Insfrán to secure another term, indicating a vibrant political atmosphere moving forward.