10 days ago - politics-and-society

Fanciful vote: meet the candidates of this election

By Mirko Ferraiolo

Fanciful vote: meet the candidates of this election

In recent weeks, Argentine politics has taken on an unexpected component

heading towards the elections of October 2025: the presence of

celebrities as candidates in various districts across the country. What began

as a rumor in party hallways has materialized in official ballots,

with names linked to the worlds of television, sports, and

entertainment.

This trend is neither isolated nor improvised. It is part of a strategic

design aimed at leveraging the media notoriety of certain figures

to connect with voters who tend to feel distant from traditional

politics. This gamble raises a central question: to what extent can

fame translate into votes and, eventually, into real political power?

From showbiz to Congress: the names that surprise

The candidacies span a wide spectrum. Among the most

notable cases are Virginia Gallardo (national deputy from Corrientes, La

Libertad Avanza), Jorge Porcel Jr. and Claudio “Turco” García (City of

Buenos Aires), Karen Reichardt (Province of Buenos Aires), Larry de Clay

(with Santiago Cúneo), Laura Soldano (Córdoba), Evelyn Von Brocke (San

Isidro), Carlos “Loco” Enríquez (Lanús), and Sergio “Tronco” Figliuolo (Province

of Buenos Aires).

Far from being mere testimonials, these candidacies aim to capture votes in

competitive districts where the single ballot enhances the recall of

the name and face. The symbolic capital of these candidates serves as a

short emotional circuit in an electorate that often votes more by proximity

than by political platforms.

Electoral strategy and doubts about governance

The emergence of celebrities in politics is not a completely new phenomenon in

Argentina, but its current scale marks a difference. Both the ruling party

and the opposition have incorporated celebrities into their lists, aware that

visibility in media and social networks can provide immediate advantages.

However, doubts remain.

Among the main questions raised by analysts and voters are:

● Can media popularity be sustained in the legislative arena?

● Do these candidates have the preparation to face the dynamics

of parliament?

● Is there a risk of trivializing politics by prioritizing fame over

qualification?

A sign of change in the political-society relationship

Beyond the criticism, the appearance of media figures reflects a

transformation in how parties seek legitimacy. Facing a

citizenry that appears increasingly distant from career politicians,

familiar faces become symbolic bridges capable of

awakening interest and mobilization.

The October elections will not only be a showdown between the ruling party and

the opposition. They will also test a phenomenon that could redefine the

relationship between politics and society: the possibility that “celebrity voting”

ceases to be an anecdote to become a decisive actor in the Argentine political

landscape.

Would you vote for any of them?

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Mirko Ferraiolo

Mirko Ferraiolo

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