Spain votes – A fragmented country, a fragmented political landscape

Spanish voters are expected at the polls for the country’s third general election in less than four years amid a splintering political landscape.

Voting begins at 9 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m., at which time exit polls are expected. Results will start coming in from 9 p.m., with a clear picture emerging by around 10 p.m.

With new forces disrupting the dominance of traditional parties and an unresolved secession crisis dominating political debate, the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy is more fragmented and polarized than at any time since transitioning from dictatorship to democracy four decades ago.

POLITICO reports that if polls hold true, the Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) of Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is heading for victory, although his ability to form a new government is less certain. Meanwhile, the rise of the relatively new Vox party has ensured that the far right will have a parliamentary presence

Spain’s increasingly fragmented politics have ushered in an era of minority and coalition governments, with five parties competing for seats on April 28. As no single party is likely to reach the 176-seat threshold for a majority in Congress, the negotiations that follow this election are likely to be crucial.

Via POLITICO – Corporate Dispatch