(Agencies)
Updated: 2007-10-28 16:36

It has been a lackluster presidential campaign, with no primaries, no candidates' debates and no concrete policy outlines from the front-runner. And polls show most people believe Fernandez is assured of victory.

The first lady challenged the idea of voter apathy, saying political and economic stability had bred serenity.

"I think Argentines are calm for the first time in a long time, in a country where past elections have seemed like Russian roulette," Fernandez said in a speech last week.

However, many Argentines are worried about rising inflation and believe the government has interfered with the national statistics office to put out false inflation data. Private economists say the real inflation rate is about double the 8.6 percent reported for the 12 months to September.

An energy crunch has hurt the government's image as well. During an unusually cold southern hemisphere winter, Argentina limited power and natural gas to industry to ensure home heating, stoking fears of future shortages.

Economists also worry about this year's sharp rise in government spending, depressed public utility rates and unresolved financial matters, such as Argentina's $6.3 billion defaulted debt to the Paris Club of creditor nations.

Poverty has plummeted since Kirchner took office in May 2003, but nearly a quarter of Argentines are still poor.

"Nothing will change in Argentina, it's the same whether it's Cristina governing or President Kirchner," said Roberto Moran, 59, who sold tiny flags on the street. "For a country so rich in resources, we have a lot of unmet needs."

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