As opinion polls suggest wife of Argentina’s current president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, could be victorious in the first round. Her main rivals are a former beauty queen, Elisa Carrio, and Mr Kirchner’s ex-Economy Minister Roberto Lavagna.

Voters will also elect eight provincial governors, a third of the Senate and about half of the Chamber of Deputies, BBC reports.

There are some 27 million people eligible to vote, with polls closing at 1800 local time (2100 GMT).

The economy and rising crime have been the two main issues in campaigning.

“I don’t want to be compared with Hillary Clinton or with Evita Peron, or with anybody,” Mrs Kirchner said recently.

“There’s nothing better than being yourself.”