Catalans Vote as Rajoy Seeks Majority to Block Secession
- Polls show separatist groups with less than 50% of vote
- World leaders from Merkel to Obama oppose independence
A voter casts her vote at a polling station during the Catalonian parliamentary election in Barcelona, on Sept. 27.
Photographer: Pau Barrena/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Catalans were voting on Sunday in an election that may determine whether the region pushes ahead with its campaign to break away from Spain and create a new European state.
While the 5.5 million eligible voters are officially choosing lawmakers for the 135-seat regional assembly, their president, Artur Mas, has formed a pro-independence alliance with his traditional rivals within the separatist camp in a bid to win a clear mandate for secession. Polling stations opened at 9 a.m. and voting will continue will until 8 p.m. Exit polls are due to be released shortly after the polls close.