Spain has entered into a new political era after a general election on Sunday signalled the end of the country's 40-year-old two-party system, the leader of newcomer anti-austerity party Pablo Iglesias said.
Exit polls show the conservative People's Party of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy won the election, although it fell short of an absolute majority and now has to rely on other parties if it is to govern for another four-year term.
"Today is an historic day for Spain... We are starting a new political era in our country," said Iglesias, whose party was seen winning 69 seats in the 350-strong parliament according to preliminary results.
"Spain is not going to be the same anymore," he said.
The PP is seen winning between 114 and 124 seats in the 350-strong parliament on Sunday, 52 to 62 seats short of the 176 seats needed for an absolute majority.
The opposition Socialists are seen coming second with 79 to 85 seats while newcomer parties anti-austerity Podemos and liberal Ciudadanos would come third and fourth respectively.
Podemos would garner between about 69 seats and Ciudadanos would win between 46 and 50 seats, the exit polls showed.
If confirmed, such results would give way to coalition-building talks that could go over many weeks as no easy pact appears in reach. The Spanish constitution does not set a specific deadline to form a government after the election.
Many potential outcomes are possible, including a centre-right pact between the PP and Ciudadanos, a centre-left alliance between the Socialists and Podemos, a minority administration or fresh elections.
Rajoy said last week he would consider a cross-party pact to ensure a stable administration over the next four years, but all the other main parties have come out against joining the PP in a coalition.
Ciudadanos and Podemos insiders say both parties are looking beyond Sunday's vote and aim to keep poaching voters from the PP and the Socialists, giving them no incentive to agree on a pact unless they win major concessions.
