Ruling Peronist coalition in Argentina takes surprise lead in election race

La Libertad Avanza leader Javier Milei waves to supporters after Sunday's election. Photo: Tomas Cuesta.

Nicolas Misculin

Argentina’s ruling Peronist coalition smashed expectations to lead the country’s general election on Sunday, setting the stage for a polarised run-off vote next month between economy minister Sergio Massa and far-right libertarian radical Javier Milei.

Mr Massa had 36.6pc of the vote, ahead of Mr Milei on just over 30pc, while conservative Patricia Bullrich was behind on 23.8pc with nearly 98pc of the vote counted, a result that defied pre-election polls that had predicted a libertarian win.