Jujuy votes: Sadir’s UCR alliance leads, strong debut for Milei’s La Libertad Avanza

Jujuy’s Racidal Governor Carlos Sadir said local voters “understood the message” on Sunday after his UCR-led alliance won provincial elections.

Sadir’s Jujuy Crece front, dominated by the Unión Cívica Radical to which he belongs, had 38.5 percent of the votes with around 20 percent of votes tallied. 

“We did very well,” Sadir told Radio Splendid after the vote, adding that his party “didn’t insult anyone” and won because “people supported us” – mild jabs at his biggest regional rival, La Libertad Avanza, and President Javier Milei’s national government. 

Sadir acknowledged, however, that the UCR “hasn’t done well” nationally and urged party renewal.

La Libertad Avanza (LLA), contesting elections in Jujuy for the first time, placed second with an impressive 20.6 percent. 

In provisional counts, Jujuy Crece was ahead in key regions, including Quebrada, Puna, Valles and Yungas, and had claimed victory in the capital.

In total, 24 provincial deputies and 288 local councillors and municipal committee members were elected across various regions. 

Sadir said macroeconomic conditions were improving but warned that at the local level, growth had yet to be felt. 

“We need the recovery to reach the people,” he said. 

He also expressed disappointment over the National Senate’s rejection of the 'Ficha Limpia' anti-corruption bill, which would bar candidates with criminal convictions.  “It was surprising that it didn’t pass –though we know why. In Jujuy, we’ve already passed it,” he said.

UCR candidate Adriano Morone led the Jujuy Crece list and sought re-election.

“The margin is nearly double — in some areas, triple,” said lawmaker Diego Rotela, projecting a final tally close to 40 percent.

LLA’s Kevin Ballesty called for caution but said the party had made significant inroads.

“The outcome is very positive — we’ll have a presence in the legislature and local councils from December 11,” he said.

Third place went to the Frente Justicialista, led by Noemí Isasmendi, with just over 10 percent. 

Left-wing Frente de Izquierda y de los Trabajadores candidate Alejandro Vilca followed with 8.3 percent. 

Both called for greater participation after reports of low turnout, which the electoral authority later reported to be 65 percent.

Sadir accused LLA of breaking the electoral ban by contacting voters during the curfew period. Meanwhile, LLA alleged a “dirty campaign,” claiming fake ballots had been printed to confuse voters. 

– TIMES/NA/PERFIL