These elections were all indirectly decided in theelectoral college,and not reflective of popular vote (whose turnout averaged 10% of male suffrage). The cosmetic nature of this electoral system, which became known locally as thevoto cantado(the "vote song," for its predetermined script), resulted from a period of intermittent civil wars between those who favored a united Argentina with a strongcentral government(Unitarians) andBuenos Aires Provinceleaders who favored an independent nation of their own (Federalists). These conflicts had dominated local political life since 1820, and did not immediately subside with the enactment of theArgentine Constitution of 1853.
The military guarantor of theArgentine Confederation,GeneralJusto José de Urquiza,lost control over his appointed successor,Santiago Derqui,and this led Buenos Aires GovernorBartolomé Mitreto take up arms in defense ofautonomyagainst what he saw as Derqui's reneging on their 1860 gentlemen's agreement. Victorious at the 1861Battle of Pavón,Mitre obtained important concessions from the national army - notably the amendment of the Constitution to provide for indirect elections through an electoral college comprised - by design - somewhat disproportionately of electors from the nation's hinterland provinces.[1]
A skilled negotiator, Mitre placated restive sentiment in Buenos Aires andEntre Ríos Provinces(where separatist sentiment was highest), and nominatedMarcos Paz,a Federalist and former Mitre foe, as his running mate. Arranging an electoral college election on 4 September 1862, he and Paz received the body's unanimous support.[2]
