Former Argentinian leader Mr Carlos Menem was today facing an election run-off against a Peronist rival after failing to win an outright victory in his comeback bid at the polls.
Mr Menem, who governed Argentina from 1989 to 1999, will take on Mr Nestor Kirchner in a second round of voting - the first in the history of Argentina - on May 18th.
With more than 90 per cent of the ballot counted, Mr Menem led yesterday's vote with 24.3 per cent compared to 22 per cent for Mr Kirchner, governor of the oil-rich Santa Cruz province.
Former economy minister Mr Ricardo Lopez Murphy was third with 16.4 per cent. A candidate needed 45 per cent to win outright.
The next round is expected to focus on the economy, as Mr Menem (72) squares off against the Mr Kirchner (53), who draws his support base from outgoing President Mr Eduardo Duhalde, who leaves office on May 25th.
PA