Between intentions and results: analysis of the effects of the open primary system in Argentina ten years after its formal incorporation

Abstract:

In this article, we analyze the effects of implementing an open, simultaneous, and compulsory primary system, a key element in the Democratization of Political Representation, Transparency and Electoral Equity law, 10 years after it was enacted in Argentina.We start with a theoretical discussion of the relationship between the law’s purposes and the open primary system. We then evaluate the effects of applying this system vis á vis the intended goals of the law (democratization, political representation and electoral equity). This is a descriptive study, addressing all electoral processes where open primaries were applied, at the national and provincial level in Argentina between 2007 and 2019. The empirical analysis shows that the use of the open primaries mechanism has not contributed to any progress in the intended goals of the law.

Keywords:
Open primary system; Democratization; Political representation; Electoral equity