BUENOS AIRES, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Argentines are casting their votes today in a closely contested presidential runoff, as the country faces mounting anger over soaring inflation and increasing poverty rates. The election presents two contrasting visions for the country's future, with the electorate divided between Peronist Economy Minister Sergio Massa and radical libertarian outsider Javier Milei.

Amidst a fragile economic climate and discontent among the population, Milei has emerged as the favorite in pre-vote opinion polls. Promising economic shock therapy, he advocates for drastic measures such as shutting down the central bank, abandoning the peso, and implementing significant spending cuts. While these proposals have struck a chord with voters frustrated by the country's economic woes, they have also sparked concerns of potential austerity measures.

The election has been characterized by many as a choice between the "lesser evil," with fears of Milei's painful economic reforms contrasting with anger towards Massa over the economic crisis. This sentiment has led some Argentines to contemplate abstaining from voting altogether.

In the first-round vote in October, Massa secured 36.7% of the votes, while Milei received approximately 30%. Since then, Milei has gained the public endorsement of third-place finisher Patricia Bullrich, although it remains uncertain if all her supporters will shift their votes to him.

Irrespective of the outcome, the presidential runoff is destined to shake up Argentina's political landscape, reshape the country's economic roadmap, influence trade relationships concerning grains, lithium, and hydrocarbons, and impact its ties with China, the United States, Brazil, and other nations.

Amidst the uncertainty surrounding the candidates, Josefina Valente, a 63-year-old retiree, expressed her lack of faith in their ability to secure a prosperous future. She voted out of a sense of duty, desiring a definitive change in the country's direction.

A notable development in this race has been the rise of economist and former TV pundit Javier Milei, who, at 53 years old, has become a focal point for the electorate's anger. Milei aims to dismantle the existing political elite and disrupt the status quo. On Sunday, he decried what he described as a "campaign of fear" against him but expressed confidence in the outcome, stating, "Now we'll let the polls speak... Let's hope that tomorrow there will be more hope and an end to the decay."

Highlights from the opposing camp include Massa's acknowledgement of the election's profound importance for the country's next four years. After casting his vote in the province of Buenos Aires, the 51-year-old experienced political wheeler-dealer emphasized the significance of the election in determining the country's future course.

Opinion polls show a tight and uncertain race, with Milei currently holding a slight edge. However, Massa has been steadily regaining support with his promises of tax cuts and campaigns aimed at shedding light on Milei's radical plans for slashing state spending.

Individual voter motivations vary. Susana Martínez, a 42-year-old teacher, expressed her concern over Milei's policies, leading her to vote for Massa—albeit reluctantly. She echoed the sentiment of "better the evil you know." Santiago Neria, a 34-year-old accountant, maintained that a vote for Milei is the only viable option for avoiding further misery under the current government.

While both candidates face the challenge of a highly fragmented Congress without a single majority, they will need to garner support from other factions to advance their legislative agendas. Notably, Milei's coalition lacks regional governors or mayors, adding another layer of complexity.

Polling stations opened at 8 a.m. (1100 GMT) and are set to close around 6 p.m. (2100 GMT), with official results expected a few hours later. The winner of the runoff will assume office on December 10, replacing the outgoing center-left Peronist President Alberto Fernandez.

As Argentines cast their votes today, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving the country on the precipice of a transformative moment that will reverberate across its political, economic, and diplomatic landscapes.