The right did not win a majority in the Spanish elections

MADRID, July 24 (Reuters) – Spain is on the cusp of a new period of political uncertainty and the possible need for another election campaign after voters failed to secure an absolute majority for any alliance in Sunday’s snap general election, despite the People’s Party conservatives being expected to be able to form a coalition government with the far right before the vote.

Election polls showed the conservative People’s Party (PP) would outperform the ruling Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE), but would likely need the support of the far-right Vox party.

As a result of the vote, the People’s Party and Vox won a total of 169 seats in parliament, while the ruling Socialists (PSOE) together with the far-left Sumar won 153 seats, both failing to reach the 176 seats needed for a majority.

The People’s Party, which won the most seats – 136 – will be the first to try to complete a coalition, but its alliance with the far-right Vox will make it difficult to gain the support of any other faction.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s socialists have more room for a coalition, but they could face potentially unacceptable terms from Catalan separatist parties, in particular a demand for a referendum on Catalonia’s independence.

The original message in English is available at the code: (Charlie Devereux and Belen Carreno in Madrid with Juan Faus in Barcelona)