Argentina's ex-leader to run for vice presidency

Buenos Aires: Argentina's former President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner announced she will stand as a candidate for the country's vice presidency in October's general election.

She will run with her former cabinet chief Alberto Fernandez, who will be the presidential candidate for the Justicialist Party.

Kirchner, who is currently a national senator, made the surprise announcement on social media.

"I have asked Alberto Fernandez to lead the team that includes both of us, (with) him as the presidential candidate and me as candidate for the vice president," she said in a video.

The 66-year-old was widely seen as the main challenger to her successor and incumbent President Mauricio Macri, who is seeking a second term.

Alberto Fernandez served as the cabinet chief to President Nestor Kirchner from 2003-2007 before holding the same position under his wife from 2007-2008.

Cristina Fernandez is facing corruption charges but remains popular.

On Tuesday, a trial will begin to determine if she took bribes in exchange for public work contracts from the construction firm Grupo Austral, owned by businessman Lazaro Baez, who was been arrested in 2016.

Argentina will hold general elections on 27 October to choose a new president.