This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-35146745

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
Spanish election: PM Rajoy's party leads, no majority Spanish election: PM Rajoy's party loses majority
(about 1 hour later)
Spain's governing conservative party has won the most seats in the general election but has fallen short of a majority. Spain's governing conservative party has won the most seats in the general election but has lost its majority and will struggle to form a coalition.
With almost all votes counted, the Popular Party was on 28.7%; the Socialists on 22% and anti-austerity Podemos 20.6%. With almost all votes counted, the Popular Party (PP) had 122 seats; the Socialists 91 and the anti-austerity Podemos party 69.
The liberal Ciudadanos party had 13.8% of the vote. The liberal Ciudadanos party was in fourth place with 40 seats.
Podemos and Ciudadanos fielded national candidates for the first time, boosted by disillusion among the electorate. Podemos and Ciudadanos fielded national candidates for the first time, boosted by discontent among the electorate.
The PP and the Socialists have alternated running the government for more than three decades.The PP and the Socialists have alternated running the government for more than three decades.
A spokesman for Podemos said the results showed that two-party politics in Spain had ended.A spokesman for Podemos said the results showed that two-party politics in Spain had ended.
"We are entering a new era in our country," said Inigo Errejon."We are entering a new era in our country," said Inigo Errejon.
The results gave Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's PP 122 seats in the lower house of parliament - well below the 176 seats it would need for a majority. It had 186 seats in the outgoing parliament. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's PP needed 176 seats to form a majority. It had 186 seats in the outgoing parliament.
Corruption dominates debateCorruption dominates debate
New faces in politicsNew faces in politics
New political eraNew political era
The Socialists (PSOE) were predicted to win 91 seats, Podemos 69 and Ciudadanos (Citizens) 40. The Popular Party had 28.7% of the vote; the Socialists 22%; Podemos 20.6% and Ciudadanos 13.9%.
Turnout was put at about 72% - up slightly compared to the 2011 election.Turnout was put at about 72% - up slightly compared to the 2011 election.
Analysts said the PP could find it very difficult to form a government because it can't achieve a majority in parliament in coalition with Ciudadanos, its most natural partner.Analysts said the PP could find it very difficult to form a government because it can't achieve a majority in parliament in coalition with Ciudadanos, its most natural partner.
The Socialists, on the other hand, could form a pact with Podemos and Ciudadanos.The Socialists, on the other hand, could form a pact with Podemos and Ciudadanos.
Spain's economy, corruption allegations and a separatist drive in the prosperous north-eastern region of Catalonia were all dominant issues in the election.Spain's economy, corruption allegations and a separatist drive in the prosperous north-eastern region of Catalonia were all dominant issues in the election.
Mr Rajoy's administration adopted tough austerity measures and job reforms that, although unpopular, have been credited with returning the Spanish economy to growth.Mr Rajoy's administration adopted tough austerity measures and job reforms that, although unpopular, have been credited with returning the Spanish economy to growth.
However, unemployment remains high at 21%, the second-highest rate in the EU after Greece, although it has fallen from its 2013 peak of 27%.However, unemployment remains high at 21%, the second-highest rate in the EU after Greece, although it has fallen from its 2013 peak of 27%.
The PP has also been damaged by corruption scandals.The PP has also been damaged by corruption scandals.
Election system:Election system:
Spain at a crossroadsSpain at a crossroads
Housing row in Catalonia: Taking back Barcelona's apartmentsHousing row in Catalonia: Taking back Barcelona's apartments
Depopulation in rural Castile and Leon: Resisting change in a dying villageDepopulation in rural Castile and Leon: Resisting change in a dying village
Early school-leavers in Murcia: Spain's voters call for shake-up in classroomEarly school-leavers in Murcia: Spain's voters call for shake-up in classroom