Argentina 2011 Presidential Election: Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's Landslide Victory
On October 23, 2011, Argentina held general elections that resulted in a historic victory for the incumbent president, Cristina Fernández de Kirchner. Representing the Front for Victory (FPV-PJ), Fernández de Kirchner secured a second four-year term in a landslide win, capturing over 54% of the popular vote. This victory marked a significant moment in Latin American history, as she became the first woman to be re-elected as a head of state in the region.
The election was characterized by a high voter turnout and a dominant performance by the ruling coalition, which not only secured the presidency but also gained substantial control over the National Congress.
Key Facts
- Winner: Cristina Fernández de Kirchner (Front for Victory) with 54.11% of the vote.
- Voter Turnout: 79.39% of the 28,916,183 registered voters.
- Historic Milestone: First woman re-elected as head of state in Latin American history.
- Geographic Sweep: The winner carried 22 provinces and the City of Buenos Aires (CABA).
- Congressional Impact: The Front for Victory won 130 of the 257 seats in the Chamber of Deputies.
The Presidential Campaign
The road to the 2011 election was shaped by shifting approval ratings and a complex landscape of political coalitions. After facing a decline in popularity during the 2008 conflict with the agricultural sector and a subsequent recession, Fernández de Kirchner saw a steady recovery in her approval ratings throughout 2010.
Front for Victory (FPV)
Entering the 2011 season with a job approval rating of approximately 58%, the President announced her candidacy on June 21, naming Economy Minister Amado Boudou as her running mate. The ticket dominated the August 14 primaries (PASO), obtaining over 50% of the vote and winning every province except San Luis.
The Opposition Coalitions
Several other coalitions attempted to challenge the incumbent, though they struggled to gain similar momentum:
- Broad Progressive Front: Led by Hermes Binner, this coalition performed better than analysts expected in the primaries and eventually became the runner-up in the general election.
- Union for Social Development: Led by Ricardo Alfonsín, who saw strong support among voters aged 45 to 59.
- Federal Peronism: This center-right group was split, with Alberto Rodríguez Saá and Eduardo Duhalde running on separate tickets. Rodríguez Saá managed to carry the province of San Luis.
- Civic Coalition: Led by Elisa Carrió, who withdrew her bid after receiving only 3% in the primary elections.
Election Results Summary
The final results confirmed a decisive mandate for the Front for Victory. The margin of victory (37.1%) surpassed the previous record set by Juan Perón in 1973.
| Nominee | Alliance | Popular Vote | Percentage | States Carried |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cristina Fernández de Kirchner | FPV-PJ | 11,865,055 | 54.11% | 22 + CABA |
| Hermes Binner | FAP | 3,684,970 | 16.81% | 0 |
| Ricardo Alfonsín | UDESO | 2,443,016 | 11.14% | 0 |
| Alberto Rodríguez Saá | CF | 1,745,354 | 7.96% | 1 |
| Eduardo Duhalde | Federal Peronism | 1,285,830 | 5.86% | 0 |
Congressional Results
Chamber of Deputies
The Front for Victory achieved a significant victory in the lower house, securing 85 seats (a gain of 41). This gave the ruling party a strong legislative base, with 130 of the 257 total seats being held by their alliance or affiliated parties.
The Senate
The Senate remained more divided. While the Front for Victory maintained a majority of 40 out of 72 seats, the opposition fared better here than in the lower house. A notable shift occurred with the departure of Vice President Julio Cobos, which removed a key tie-breaking vote for the opposition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2011 Argentine presidential election?
Incumbent president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner of the Front for Victory won the election with 54.11% of the popular vote.
What was the significance of this victory?
It was a landslide victory that made Cristina Fernández de Kirchner the first woman to be re-elected as head of state in Latin American history.
Which province did the winner not carry?
Cristina Fernández de Kirchner won every province and the City of Buenos Aires except for San Luis, which was won by Alberto Rodríguez Saá.
How did the Front for Victory perform in Congress?
The coalition won 85 seats in the Chamber of Deputies (contributing to a total of 130 seats for the alliance) and maintained a majority of 40 seats in the Senate.
What was the voter turnout for the election?
The turnout for the presidential election was 79.39%, with over 22.9 million total votes cast.