Spanish polls show losses for ruling party

Three exit polls from today’s Spanish general election showed the ruling conservatives losing a large number of seats, with the race too close to call.

The election was overshadowed by the Madrid bombings, with many voters accusing the conservative-led government of provoking the attacks by supporting the US-led war in Iraq.

An Eco Consulting poll on state TV showed the opposition Socialists perhaps winning the race for the 350-seat Congress of Deputies, with 154-158 seats against 150-154 for the ruling Popular Party, which had 183 seats in the last legislature.

A Sigma Dos survey for Antena 3 television said the ruling party had won 153-161 seats, compared to 152-159 for the Socialists.

An Instituto Opina poll for the Cadena Ser radio station gave the conservatives 154-160 seats, compared to 151-159 for the Socialists.

A Demoscopia survey carried out for Telecinco gave the conservatives 169, compared with 141 for the Socialists.