Daniel Scioli leads Argentina vote but may face runoff

Scioli served as Nestor Kirchner's vice president from 2003 to 2007.

Buenoa Aires: Buenos Aires Governor Daniel Scioli led Argentina's presidential election race as counting got under way Sunday, but it was unclear whether he would avoid a runoff against his conservative rival.

As Argentines gathered around their TVs to learn who will be their next president after 12 years under Cristina Kirchner and her late husband Nestor, exit polls gave the lead to Scioli -- Kirchner's choice to succeed her -- with business favorite Mauricio Macri in second.

Scioli, a 58-year-old powerboating fanatic who lost his right arm in a 1989 racing accident, served as Nestor Kirchner's vice president from 2003 to 2007.

Macri, the 56-year-old mayor of Buenos Aires, is a former football executive who rose to prominence with a trophy-encrusted reign at Argentina's most popular club, Boca Juniors.

Five major television broadcasters put Scioli in the lead and Macri in second, but it was unclear whether he racked up the magic numbers to avoid a second round on November 22.

Under Argentine electoral law, in order to win outright in the first round, a candidate must claim more than 45 percent of the vote, or at least 40 percent with a margin of 10 points over the runner-up.