Argentina waited anxiously today for ex-President Carlos Menem to clear up confusion about whether he was quitting the presidential election or fighting to the end.
Mr Menem's top aides plunged the race into chaos yesterday as one said he was quitting while another said he would compete in the May 18th runoff against Mr Nestor Kirchner, who is well ahead. A handful of aides said Mr Menem had not yet decided if he would pull out.
The confusion was a blow to those who had hoped for a smooth transition to new leadership that would consign Argentina's worst ever economic crisis to the history books.
The country economy is seeking to emerge from a chaotic year and a half that saw bloody food riots, a world record debt default and savage currency devaluation. Sixty per cent of Argentines are poor and 25 per cent are jobless.
In a theatrical burst, Mr Menem appeared at the window of his campaign bunker at a hotel in downtown Buenos Aires late on Tuesday, thanking hundreds of cheering people for their support and telling them: "I won't defraud you, trust me ... expect more news".
In another twist, television stations started to play new Mr Menem campaign spots depicting ordinary people like butchers and garbage scavengers looking skyward and shouting "Come on Menem!£
But there was no sign that Mr Menem (72), would be able to win a third term, as he had confidently predicted he would. With polls showing Mr Kirchner leading with about 70 per cent of the vote, he needs a miracle.
Defeat on Sunday would be Mr Menem's first electoral loss. His 1989-1999 rule was one of the most sustained periods of growth in Argentine history, but it was also marred by corruption scandals that plagued his administration and circle.