Argentines vote in congressional primaries that are test of Peronist support

People queue outside a polling station before casting their vote during primary legislative elections, in Buenos Aires, Argentina September 12, 2021. REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) -Argentines flocked to the polls on Sunday in congressional primaries that represent an acid test for the center-left Peronist government of President Alberto Fernandez as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising poverty have weakened its popularity.

Polling stations shut at 6 p.m. (2100 GMT), although some voters were still casting ballots after long lines during the day. Results are expected later in the evening, with pollsters expecting the ruling party to suffer some losses.