Poll seen as moment of truth for voters

Deeply divided Catalans headed to polling stations on Thursday with support for separatists and unionists running neck-and-neck, leaving prospects of a quick end to Spain’s political crisis looking slim.

Final pre-election surveys published last Friday showed parties backing the region’s independence could lose absolute control of the regional parliament but might be able to form a minority government.

That would keep national politics mired in turmoil, though the secessionist campaign has lost momentum since the October 1 plebiscite, which was outlawed.

The independence movement could, however, be dealt a potentially devastating blow if unionists managed to mobilise supporters to win a majority in the regional parliament.

Opinion polls have shown the next Catalan government is likely to emerge only from weeks of haggling between parties over viable coalitions. The election has become a de facto referendum on how support for the independence movement has fared since.

Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy called Thursday’s vote after sacking of Carles Puigdemont’s secessionist government for holding the referendum and declaring independence. He hopes it will return Catalonia to what he has called “normality” under a unionist government or separatist government that will not seek a unilateral split. REUTERS