Some of the readers of this website may be interested in knowing about the recent phenomenon of “testimonial candidates” for seats in the House of Deputies. I am not an expert in Argentine politics, so someone like Fedec may want clarify my comments.
In Argentina voters elect candidates from one party only. There is something called a “lista sabana” - a list of candidates who have been chosen by the party. Voters can not deviate from this list. They vote for the entire list chosen by their party; there is no vote splitting.
When elections are over votes are tallied and a formula is followed to determine how many seats go to each party.
In the current elections the Peronist Party has implemented something new – Testimonial candidates. These candidates appear on the ballot because they are popular names but they are not expected to actually take office. Their purpose for being on the ballot is to attract voters to the party. If they get elected they will immediately resign and the winner's designated substitute will take office instead. For example, the governor of the Province of Buenos Aires, Daniel Scioli appears as a candidate for the lower house of Congress. It is common knowledge that he will not step down from his position as governor to assume a lesser post. Scioli appears on the ballot as he is popular due to his past history as a motor boat sportsman. This inventive practice has really frustrated opposition parties and angered many people who think it is undemocratic.
In Argentina voters elect candidates from one party only. There is something called a “lista sabana” - a list of candidates who have been chosen by the party. Voters can not deviate from this list. They vote for the entire list chosen by their party; there is no vote splitting.
When elections are over votes are tallied and a formula is followed to determine how many seats go to each party.
In the current elections the Peronist Party has implemented something new – Testimonial candidates. These candidates appear on the ballot because they are popular names but they are not expected to actually take office. Their purpose for being on the ballot is to attract voters to the party. If they get elected they will immediately resign and the winner's designated substitute will take office instead. For example, the governor of the Province of Buenos Aires, Daniel Scioli appears as a candidate for the lower house of Congress. It is common knowledge that he will not step down from his position as governor to assume a lesser post. Scioli appears on the ballot as he is popular due to his past history as a motor boat sportsman. This inventive practice has really frustrated opposition parties and angered many people who think it is undemocratic.