Argentine polls give slight edge to opposition ahead of uncertain primaries

Presidential candidate Javier Milei looks on during his presentation at the 135th Argentine Rural Society's annual exposition, in Buenos Aires, Argentina July 24, 2023. REUTERS/Matias Baglietto/File Photo

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina's opposition is polling with a slight lead for the upcoming August primaries, usually a reliable bellwether for the outcome of the presidential election, but with many voters ready to snub the ballot box the results are far from certain.

"There is a lot of apathy," said political analyst Carlos Fara, who predicted the Aug. 13 vote will see more abstentions and perhaps blank votes - which are included in the final count - than in any primary election since 2011.