Argentina presidential election: Javier Milei and Sergio Massa head for run-off vote

Sergio Massa has defied expectations by winning more than 36% of the vote in Argentina’s presidential election. He is now on course for a run-off contest with far-right candidate Javier Hilei. 

Massa’s lead has come as a surprise as many thought the Argentina economy minister would be punished by the voters for presiding over a financial crisis. 

Inflation in Argentina is nearing 140%. 

With almost all ballots counted, no candidate had received the necessary 45% of votes needed for an outright win. 

There will be a second round on 19 November in which voters will have to choose between Massa – from the left-wing Peronist movement and Javier Milei, the far-right libertarian.