Economy Minister Sergio Massa came out ahead in Sunday’s presidential elections, as did far-right candidate Javier Meli, who is openly criticizing the current government.

The Argentine Minister of Economy managed to obtain 35.9% of the votes, despite the context of rising inflation and poverty rates during his mandate.

The result came as a surprise, defying expectations from opinion polls, which suggested that the controversial candidate, Javier Meli, would lead with 30.51% of the vote in this round.

These two candidates should therefore face each other in the second round, scheduled for November 19.