Presidential elections were held in Argentina on 12 April 1868 to choose the president of Argentina. Domingo Faustino Sarmiento was elected.

Background Presiding over a prosperous economy overshadowed somewhat by the costly Paraguayan War, President Mitre was at pains to avoid risking the tenuous national unity his administration had secured. Though he hand-picked prospective candidates, Mitre avoided the appearance of direct support for any one figure, while limiting the field to those he considered acceptable. Electors from Buenos Aires Province favored candidate Adolfo Alsina, who was instead persuaded by Mitre to run for the vice-presidency. The nomination was handed to the Ambassador to the United States, Domingo Sarmiento, who remained at his post and did not campaign. Mitre also supported former Unitarian Party leader Rufino de Elizalde and his running mate General Wenceslao Paunero, a key figure in Mitre's victory at the Battle of Pavón. These candidates were all preferred by the president over that year's dark horse, former President Justo José de Urquiza (whom Mitre attempted to dissuade from running for fear of the separatist conflict his presence might provoke).Levene, Ricardo. A History of Argentina. Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1937.

These candidates were, with the exception of Sarmiento, contentious in many circles and provided the new system its first real test. The electoral college met on 12 April 1868, and selected Sarmiento by 79 out of 131 votes, making this the only closely contested race during this era.Todo Argentina: 1868

Results President

By province ProvinceSarmiento Urquiza de Elizalde Rawson Vélez Sarsfield Buenos Aires 24 3 1 Catamarca 10 Córdoba 16 Corrientes Did not vote Entre Ríos 8 Jujuy 7 La Rioja 6 Mendoza 10 Salta 10 San Juan 8 San Luis 8 Santa Fe 8 Santiago del Estero 12 Tucumán Votes not preserved Total 79 26 22 3 1

Vice president

By province Province Alsina Paunero Ocampo Alberdi de las Carreras Buenos Aires 25 2 1 Catamarca 10 Córdoba 3 13 Corrientes Did not vote Entre Ríos 8 Jujuy 4 3 La Rioja 6 Mendoza 10 Salta 10 San Juan 8 San Luis 8 Santa Fe 7 1 Santiago del Estero 12 Tucumán Votes not preserved Total 82 45 2 1 1

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