Spain's Socialist Party has lost its first attempt to form a government, falling far short of the parliamentary votes needed ahead of a second ballot scheduled for Friday.

A strong showing by a pair of new parties in Spain’s general election is threatening the traditional two-party system, with an exit poll projecting the ruling Popular Party winning the most votes but falling far short of a majority.

By-election victor Ruth Coppinger took her seat in the Dáil for the Socialists yesterday.