Spaniards vote in an election that could oust a leftist coalition and herald a return to the right

In a significant election on Sunday, Spanish citizens are set to vote in what may result in the displacement of the incumbent leftist government and possibly usher in a right-leaning regime.

The current Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, was impelled to arrange this snap election subsequent to the substantial losses incurred by his Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party and its far-left ally, Unidas Podemos, in May’s local and regional polls. Having held the premier office since 2018, Sánchez is now facing potential defeat.

The right-wing Popular Party, victorious in the May polls, is currently leading in most opinion polls for Sunday’s election. However, it’s likely they will require the support of the extreme-right Vox party to form a government.

The formation of such a coalition would mark the return of a far-right political influence in Spain, something not seen since the country transitioned to democracy in the late 1970s after Francisco Franco’s nearly 40-year dictatorial rule.

The opposition comprises of the Socialists and a novel entity named Sumar, a collective of 15 small leftist parties uniting for the first time.

Given no party is projected to win an absolute majority, the fundamental choice remains between a leftist coalition and a right and far-right coalition.

The Sánchez-led government, despite guiding Spain through the COVID-19 crisis and an economic downturn fueled by inflation and worsened by Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, faces potential downfall. Its reliance on peripheral parties, including separatists from Catalonia and the Basque Country, as well as its enactment of numerous liberal laws, may jeopardize its political survival.

The right-wing parties, vehemently opposed to Sánchez, accuse him of causing significant damage to Spain, even alleging betrayal. They pledge to repeal many of his laws, which have positively impacted millions of citizens and thousands of businesses.

Held amidst the peak of summer, the election will likely see millions of voters away from their usual polling stations due to vacations. Nevertheless, requests for postal voting have spiked, and election officials anticipate a turnout of about 70%.

Spain is set to experience higher than usual temperatures, with averages above 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit), and a surge of 5 to 10 degrees Celsius above the norm in several regions on election day.

Spain’s 36 million eligible voters can cast their votes between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. (0700 and 1800 GMT), with results expected to be nearly finalized by midnight.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Spanish General Election 2023

More about Spanish General Election 2023

• Spain’s Political System
• Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party
• Unidas Podemos Party
• Popular Party
• Vox Party
• Spain’s transition to democracy
• Spain’s COVID-19 response
• Spain’s Economic downturn
• Russia’s invasion of Ukraine