24/06/2026 06:04 - Actualidad
The National University of Cuyo (UNCuyo)—one of Argentina's most prestigious public universities, located in the wine-producing province of Mendoza—witnessed a watershed moment on June 23, 2026. For the first time since direct elections were implemented, an opposition candidate defeated the incumbent party's nominee.
Adriana García, from the coalition Encuentro Plural (a broad alliance that includes Peronist and independent sectors), defeated Gabriel Fidel of Sumar Universidad, which is linked to the Radical Civic Union (UCR)—Argentina's traditional center-right party that had governed the university for 12 years.
| Adriana García (Encuentro Plural) | 53.36% |
| Gabriel Fidel (Sumar Universidad) | 46.64% |
| Voters: over 16,000 (from 58,000 eligible) | |
| Polling stations: 155 across campus | |
Argentina's public universities are autonomous institutions where rectors (equivalent to university presidents or chancellors) are elected directly by the university community—including professors, students, and graduates—not appointed by the government. This makes UNCuyo's elections particularly significant for local politics.
The National University of Cuyo, founded in 1939, is the largest and most important university in the Cuyo region (western Argentina). It serves approximately 40,000 students across multiple faculties and is renowned for its programs in engineering, arts, and social sciences.
Peronism is Argentina's dominant political movement, founded by President Juan Perón in the 1940s. It encompasses both left and right-wing factions, but generally supports social welfare policies, workers' rights, and state intervention in the economy. At universities, Peronist-aligned groups typically advocate for public education funding and accessible higher education.
Adriana García brings decades of academic and administrative experience to her new role. She holds degrees in History and is a recognized specialist in university education. Her distinguished career includes:
García had previously run in the 2022 elections, narrowly missing the runoff against then-incumbent rector Esther Sánchez. This time, she successfully built a broad coalition including Peronist university and non-university sectors, independent voters, and support from other candidates like Javier Ozollo.
The García-Sisti ticket marks another milestone: for the first time, two women will lead UNCuyo. Ana Sisti currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Education at UNCuyo, a position she has held since 2022.
Dr. Sisti holds a PhD in Management and Planning for Educational Quality from the University of Jaén, Spain. She specializes in Special Education and educational quality management. She has directed research and extension projects serving the community and represents UNCuyo before national organizations such as the ANFHE (National Association of Teacher Training Faculties).
This victory represents the end of a 12-year cycle for the Radical Civic Union (UCR) at UNCuyo. Since 2014, the university had been governed by rectors affiliated with the Radical party: first María Victoria Gómez de Erice, then Esther Sánchez.
Gabriel Fidel, the defeated candidate, had the backing of the entire provincial Radical party establishment, including Mendoza's governor Alfredo Cornejo. However, several national and local factors influenced the outcome:
The General Electoral Board will conduct the definitive vote count in the coming days. Afterward, the Superior Council (UNCuyo's highest governing body) will issue the formal resolution. The new authorities will assume office on August 14, 2026, coinciding with UNCuyo's 87th anniversary.
"We changed history. We will change history. A cycle has ended. We have recovered the National University of Cuyo for all of us."
Celebrations extended beyond the campus, resonating throughout Mendoza's Peronist community. The election result signals a shift in the balance of power within one of Argentina's key regional universities.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
