Spaniards vote in national elections

Spaniards head to the polls Sunday in a general election, which, for the first time in the history of Spanish democracy, pits four parties in a tight race.

Although signs point to an economic recovery, Spain is still in an uncomfortable situation. Unemployment is at 21 percent, the second highest in Europe. Austerity measures have triggered massive protests and the creation of the left-wing Podemos party, Catalan separatists are on the brink of declaring independence and both traditional Spanish parties have been plagued by corruption scandals.

This turbulence has caused the rise of not only the Podemos party, led by the charismatic Pablo Iglesias, but also of the centrist Citizens party.

The polls suggest the ruling Popular Party, led by current Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, will win a minority government and lose the majority government that he currently holds.

Still, polls show a large number of voters to be undecided and analysts say the results could be surprising. The most recent poll for leading daily El Pais, suggests that 25 percent will vote for the Popular Party, 21 percent for the Socialist party, 19 percent for Citizens and 18 percent for Podemos.

With such a tight race, the campaigning trail did not come without its controversial moments, including the Prime Minister being punched in the face by a 17-year-old male at a campaign stop in his home region of Galicia.

Rajoy was criticized for not participating in a debate with all four leaders. Instead, he chose to only take part in the traditional face-to-face debate with the leader of the Socialist Party.

About 36.5 million people are eligible to vote on Sunday. 

Polls close at 8.00 p.m. CET (1900GMT) and official results are expected to be in at 10.00 p.m. (2100GMT).