Argentines began voting Sunday in a high-stakes midterm election that could help shape libertarian President Javier Milei’s political path — and the future of U.S. financial support for his government.

Nearly half the lower house and a third of the Senate are up for grabs in an election seen as a referendum on Milei’s past two years in power.

While his wealthier supporters credit him with opening up the economy and scrapping red tape, others in working-class neighborhoods have grown frustrated with falling wages and sluggish growth.

"My expectation is to put a stop to the current government's plan. Well, to generate the necessary strength to halt future projects and reverse those already implemented. In other words, the planned misery plan they have now," said 59-year-old voter Marcelo Romero.

Polls show a tight race between Milei’s party and the left-leaning populist opposition. The result will move markets and test Milei's fragile mandate. 

AP Video by Victor R. Caivano and Cristian Kovadloff