Discurso y praxis contra el fraude: consideraciones sobre la política reformista de Roberto M. Ortiz (1938-1940)

Abstract

This paper analyzes the political strategy of President Roberto M Ortiz when he was effectively active in office (1938-1940) to fight against electoral fraud and try to regularize free, competitive electoral practices in the late thirties in Argentina. I presume that the President undertook a path of political openness and dialogue with the main opposition party, the Unión Cívica Radical (UCR). To accomplish that, Ortiz promoted two distinctive strategies: won the support of the liberal sectors in the Army, and enforce federal intervention to the provinces with fraudulent practices. Those decisions caused an unprecedented erosion of support from inside the ruling coalition. Without party support, Ortiz became isolated and in clear confrontation with the Senate, dominated by conservative groups.