Joe Duggan (Reporter)
THE make-up of Spain’s future government is unclear after Sunday’s general election.
With no party winning an absolute majority, the norm established is that the king can now put forward a candidate for prime minister.
That person must win an absolute majority or, if not, a simple majority – more votes than any other candidate – within 48 hours of the first vote.
If they can not do so, the king can propose another candidate.
Should nobody be elected, parliament would be dissolved with a new election called within two months of the first vote.
Speaking after the results were announced, Mariano Rajoy said: “This party continues again as the most popular political power.
“Whoever wins the election should try and form the government.”
The PP has lost 3.8 million voters and more than 60 seats since the 2011 general election.
Striking a conciliatory tone, PSOE leader Pedro Sanchez said: “Spain has voted for the left. Spain wants change but the vote shows the PP as the leading political force.”
