Argentina changes election date

BUENOS AIRES, March 27 (UPI) -- Argentine lawmakers have decided to move up the country's congressional elections by four months, a decision also backed by the president.

President Cristina Kirchner first proposed changing the date in an effort to lessen political tension amid Argentina's own economic downturn.

The election has been moved from Oct. 25 to June 28, La Nacion newspaper reported Friday.

Experts contend that the elections could server as a referendum of sorts on the presidency of Kirchner, who has come under some criticism for her handling of the global financial crisis as it affects Argentina.