Argentine President Cristina Fernandez suffered an electoral setback Sunday when her candidate finished in third place in the race for governor of Santa Fe province. Argentina's Socialist Party appear set to retain the governorship.

Santa Fe is an agricultural hub and politically a Socialist stronghold.

National opinion polls indicate President Fernandez has a wide lead over rivals three months before general elections. Opponents hope poor showings in provincial elections will create a closer election result.

The first round of the Argentine general elections is scheduled to take place October 23.