<h1>Runoff between two pro-market candidates could end leftist rule, decide IMF rescue versus gradual reform amid crisis</h1> A presidential runoff pits two conservative, pro-market candidates against each other after two decades of rule by the longtime left-wing party, with voters deciding amid a severe economic crisis marked by dollar shortages, 23% inflation and fuel scarcities. One candidate advocates an immediate IMF-backed rescue with deep spending cuts, subsidy removals and privatization; the other proposes gradual subsidy phase-outs, targeted social protections, anti-corruption measures and legalizing informal dollar markets to attract capital without IMF involvement. The outcome could reshape economic policy, resource governance (notably lithium), and geopolitical alignments away from China and Russia toward increased ties with Western lenders and investors.