Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
b . No, existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used
Comments:
Source: Constitution: "Constitución Española", Art. 68 & 69:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 161, 179 & 214:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/01
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: Constituencies are not delimited for election purposes but existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 161, 179 & 214:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/01
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: The Constitution regulates the territorial organisation of the State in councils, provinces, and Autonomous Communities (Comunidades Autónomas).
Source: Constitution: "Constitución Española", art. 137:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 161, 179 & 214:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/01
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
g . Inherited monarchy
Comments: The King is the Head of State. The Crown of Spain shall be inherited by the successors of H. M. Juan Carlos I de Borbón, the legitimate heir of the historic dynasty.
Source: Constitution: "Constitución Española", arts. 56-57:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/01
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: The head of government is also referred to as the President of the Government (equivalent to Prime Minister). The King, consulting with the representatives appointed by the political groups represented in the parliament, and through the Speaker of the Congress, nominates a candidate for the Presidency of the Government. The candidate then submits to the Congress the political program of the Government he/she intends to form and seeks the confidence of the House. If the Congress, by vote of the overall majority of its members, grants its confidence to the candidate, the King shall appoint him/her as President. If overall majority is not obtained, the same proposal shall be submitted for a fresh vote forty-eight hours after the previous one, and confidence shall be deemed to be secured if granted by single majority.
Source: Constitution: "Constitución Española", art. 99:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/01
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Head of Government is the president, and he/she is proposed by the monarch and elected by the Congress of the Deputies (Lower Chamber) following legislative elections.
The 'President of the Government' is equivalent to the function of Prime Minister.
Source: Constitution: "Constitución Española", art. 99:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/01
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
b . Two chambers
Comments: The General Courts is Spain's bicameral parliament, composed of the Congress of Deputies (Lower Chamber) and the Senate (Upper Chamber).
Source: Constitution: "Constitución Española", art. 66 & 69:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/01
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments:
Source: Constitution: "Constitución Española", Art. 68:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 162:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/01
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Part of Constitution b . Separate legislation
Comments: The Constitution sets out the guiding principles, while the electoral procedures and management of the elections is established in the Electoral Law ["Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General (LOREG)"] and the Referendum Law ["Ley Orgánica 2/1980, de 18 de enero, sobre regulación de las distintas modalidades de referéndum"]
Source: Constitution: "Constitución Española", arts. 68-70:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/;
Referendum Law: "Ley Orgánica 2/1980, de 18 de enero, sobre regulación de las distintas modalidades de referéndum":
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-2-1980-de-18-de-enero-sobre/
Verified: 2025/04/01
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections b . Regional elections c . Local elections d . Referendums
Comments: Elections in the region for the European Parliament.
The referendum law, “Ley Orgánica 2/1980, de 18 de enero, sobre regulación de las distintas modalidades de referéndum”, establishes that the Electoral Law is the one to rule over such electoral events.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 1:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/;
Referendum Law: "Ley Orgánica 2/1980, de 18 de enero, sobre regulación de las distintas modalidades de referéndum":
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-2-1980-de-18-de-enero-sobre/
Verified: 2025/04/01
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments: The law openly says that no one can be forced to vote.
Source: Constitution: "Constitución Española", art. 23:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 5:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/01
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: The chamber of the administrative department of the Supreme Court
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 112:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/01
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level b . Regional level c . Local level
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 8 & 19:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature g . Other
Comments: The Parliament has to provide the Central Electoral Board with the staff and the necessary instruments and materials.
The central government, the autonomous regional governments and the city councils finance the local boards.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 13:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 13:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
d . Other
Comments: The members of the Central Electoral Board who are not judges are nominated within 90 days from the first session of the Parliament (a new Board is inaugurated in every new legislature)
The members of the Central Electoral Board are appointed for a term that lasts until the new Board takes office at the beginning of the next legislative term.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 9 (2-3):
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
c . Mixed
Comments: Article 8: Defines the Electoral Administration, including governmental bodies like the Central Electoral Board, Provincial Electoral Boards, Zone Electoral Boards, and Electoral Tables.
Article 9: Specifies the composition of the Central Electoral Board, which includes both judicial members (Magistrates of the Supreme Court) and academic members (Catedráticos).
Article 13: States that the General Courts, the Government, and the City Councils provide the necessary resources for the Electoral Boards, indicating governmental involvement.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 8, 9, & 13:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: 13 members: eight members are judges of the Supreme Court "Tribunal Supremo” (appointed by the General Council of the Judiciary Power), and five are university professors (law and/or political science department) presented by political parties, coalitions or groups of voters with representatives in the Lower Chamber.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 9:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
b . Expertise
Comments: Eight members are judges of the Supreme Court "Tribunal Supremo” (appointed by the General Council of the Judiciary Power), and five are university professors (law and/or political science department) presented by political parties, coalitions or groups of voters with representatives in the Lower Chamber.
The members of the Electoral Administration are selected based on expertise rather than partisanship. This is evident from the following articles:
Article 9, Section 1(a): "Eight Vocales Magistrados del Tribunal Supremo, designados mediante insaculación por el Consejo General del Poder Judicial."
Article 9, Section 1(b): "Cinco Vocales Catedráticos de Derecho o de Ciencias Políticas y de Sociología, en activo, designados a propuesta conjunta de los partidos, federaciones, coaliciones o agrupaciones de electores con representación en el Congreso de los Diputados."
Article 10, Section 1(a): "Tres Vocales, Magistrados de la Audiencia Provincial correspondiente, designados mediante insaculación por el Consejo General de Poder Judicial."
Article 10, Section 1(b): "Dos Vocales nombrados por la Junta Electoral Central entre Catedráticos y Profesores Titulares de Derecho o de Ciencias Políticas y de Sociología o juristas de reconocido prestigio residentes en la provincia."
These sections highlight that members are chosen based on their judicial and academic qualifications, ensuring their expertise in the field.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 9 & 10:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
e . Legislature f . Judiciary g . Political parties
Comments: The members of the Electoral Administration in Spain are selected by various entities, including the judiciary, political parties, and the legislature.
Judiciary:
Article 9.1(a): Eight members of the Central Electoral Board are Magistrates of the Supreme Court, designated by the General Council of the Judiciary.
Article 10.1(a): Three members of the Provincial Electoral Boards are Magistrates of the Provincial Court, designated by the General Council of the Judiciary.
Article 11.1(a): Three members of the Zone Electoral Boards are Judges of First Instance or Instruction, designated by the Governing Chamber of the respective Superior Court of Justice.
Political Parties:
Article 9.1(b): Five members of the Central Electoral Board are Professors of Law or Political and Social Sciences, designated by joint proposal of the parties, federations, coalitions, or groups of electors with representation in the Congress of Deputies.
Article 10.1(b): Two members of the Provincial Electoral Boards are Professors of Law or Political and Social Sciences or jurists of recognized prestige, designated by the Central Electoral Board based on proposals from the representatives of the candidacies.
Article 11.1(b): Two members of the Zone Electoral Boards are Law or Political and Social Sciences graduates, designated by the Provincial Electoral Board based on proposals from the representatives of the candidacies.
Legislature:
Article 9.2: If the political parties do not propose the members within the specified period, the Congress of Deputies' Board, after consulting the political groups, proceeds to their designation.
These articles illustrate the mixed model of selection involving the judiciary, political parties, and the legislature.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 9:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body d . National Government
Comments: The Ministry of Interior has the main role as the manager of the logistics of the electoral process, following the Central Electoral Committee directorate.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 50:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
b . Election time only
Comments: Art. 50 outlines the responsibility of the Government to conduct information campaigns for elections, ensuring citizens are informed about the electoral process. While the law mandates the Government to carry out these campaigns, it does not specify a particular frequency. Typically, these campaigns are conducted in the lead-up to elections to ensure voters are well-informed about where, when, and how to register and vote.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 50:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 50:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments:
Source: Constitution: "Constitución Española", arts. 12, 68-70:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/ ;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General” art. 2:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 2, 31 & 176:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
d . Election Management Body (specify)
Comments: The Electoral Census Office ("Oficina del Censo Electoral"), under the supervision of the EMB ("Junta Electoral Central"). The local bodies (the mayor offices in particular) provide updated information. The Office of the Electoral Census, which is part of the National Institute of Statistics, operates under the direction and supervision of the Central Electoral Board. This makes it part of the election management body responsible for voter registration.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 29, 30 & 35:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 2.2 31 & 32.1:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/02
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: It is required that the promoters of a Political Party file the notarial Deed (name of the promoters, name of the political party, the names of those in its provisional governing bodies) and the Party Statutes in the register of Political Parties of the Ministry of Interior.
Once the elections are announced, the political parties most name a representative to its candidatures before the EMB.
Article 3:
Acta Fundacional: The founding agreement must be formalized in a public document, including the identification of promoters, the party's name, provisional governing bodies, domicile, and statutes.
Statutes: Must include details such as the party's name, symbol, domicile, website, scope of action, aims, admission and resignation procedures for members, rights and duties of members, governing bodies, financial management, and procedures for dissolution.
Source: Law 6/2002 of 27 June about political parties: “Ley Orgánica 6/2002, de 27 de junio, de Partidos Políticos”, art. 3:
https://www.boe.es/buscar/pdf/2002/BOE-A-2002-12756-consolidado.pdf;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 43 & 168: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/03
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration j . Other
Comments: Those listed as "Not to be ineligible" according to article 6 of the Electoral Law
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Española”, art. 70:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/;
Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 6, 46 & 155:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/03
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . In legislative elections (Chamber 1) d . In legislative elections (Chamber 2)
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 43, 44 & 169:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/03
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct c . Indirect
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), art. 127 & 175.3:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/;
Law 8/2007 of July 4 on the funding of political parties: “Ley Orgánica 8/2007, de 4 de julio, sobre financiación de los partidos políticos”, arts. 2, 3, 10 & 11:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-8-2007-de-4-de-julio-sobre;
Law 6/2002 of 27 June about political parties: “Ley Orgánica 6/2002, de 27 de junio, de Partidos Políticos”, art. 13: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-6-2002-de-27-de-junio-de
Verified: 2025/04/03
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election c . Based on current legislative representation
Comments:
Source: Law 8/2007 of July 4 on the funding of political parties: “Ley Orgánica 8/2007, de 4 de julio, sobre financiación de los partidos políticos”, art. 3:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-8-2007-de-4-de-julio-sobre/
Verified: 2025/04/03
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), art. 127: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/;
Law 8/2007 of July 4 on the funding of political parties: “Ley Orgánica 8/2007, de 4 de julio, sobre financiación de los partidos políticos”, art. 2 & 4:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-8-2007-de-4-de-julio-sobre/
Verified: 2025/04/03
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: Termination of Voting: The voting ends at 20:00 hours.
Immediate Start of Counting: The counting begins immediately after the voting ends.
Public Scrutiny: The scrutiny is public and continues without interruption.
Reading of Votes: The President of the Mesa Electoral reads aloud the votes from each ballot.
Once the counting of the votes is completed and the certificate of the results is signed, all the votes are destroyed, except for those upon which an inconformity was stated.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June: "Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General", art. 95: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/03
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
a . Never recounted
Comments: Once the counting of the votes is completed and the certificate of the results is signed, all the votes are destroyed, except for those upon which an inconformity was stated.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June: "Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General", art. 95 & 106: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/03
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
c . Based on result of previous election d . Based on mixture of principles (specify) e . As agreed by special committee f . Based on size of legislative caucus
Comments: Ten minutes for parties, federations, and coalitions that did not participate or did not obtain representation in the previous equivalent elections.
Fifteen minutes for parties, federations, and coalitions that obtained representation in the previous equivalent elections but did not reach 5% of the total valid votes cast in the national territory or, where applicable, in the constituencies referred to in Article 62.
Thirty minutes for parties, federations, and coalitions that obtained representation in the previous equivalent elections and reached between 5% and 20% of the total votes.
Forty-five minutes for parties, federations, and coalitions that obtained representation in the previous equivalent elections and reached at least 20% of the total votes.
The right to the free broadcast times listed above only applies to those parties, federations, or coalitions that present candidacies in more than 75% of the constituencies within the scope of dissemination or, where applicable, programming of the corresponding medium.
Based on result of previous election: Article 64 specifies that the distribution of free broadcast time is based on the number of votes obtained in the previous equivalent elections. Parties, federations, and coalitions are allocated time according to their performance in past elections.
As agreed by special committee: Article 65 mentions that the distribution of free broadcast time is proposed by a Commission of Radio and Television, which is under the direction of the Junta Electoral Central. This commission includes representatives from each party, federation, or coalition with representation in the Congress of Deputies.
Based on mixture of principles: The allocation also considers the number of candidates put forward in the present elections (Article 64.2), requiring parties to present candidacies in more than 75% of the constituencies within the scope of dissemination or programming of the medium.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June: "Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General", arts. 61, 64, 65 & 67:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/03
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments:
Source: http://elpais.com/tag/debate_elecciones_generales/a/
Verified: 2025/04/03
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
c . 4-5 days
Comments: During the five days prior to the election day, the publication, dissemination, or reproduction of electoral surveys by any means of communication is prohibited.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June: "Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General", art. 69: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/03
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The amount includes printed advertising and private radio broadcasters (since free access is provided to television), and it is of 20% of the total amount of the allowed expenditure for the electoral process.
According to Article 130 of the document, the expenses considered as electoral expenses include those for propaganda and advertising directed at promoting votes for their candidacies. Article 131 specifies the limits:
General Limit: No party, federation, coalition, or group can exceed the limits established in the special provisions of the law.
Specific Limit for Paid Advertising: The expenditure on this type of advertising cannot exceed 20% of the overall limit set for electoral expenses.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June: "Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General", art. 58, 130, 131: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/
Verified: 2025/04/03
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Española”, art. 23, 87, 92, 151, 166, 167:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/ ;
Law 2/1980 of 18 January on the regulation of the different kinds of referendum: “Ley Orgánica 2/1980, de 18 de enero, sobre regulación de las distintas modalidades de referéndum”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-2-1980-de-18-de-enero-sobre/view;
Law 3/1984 of 26 March on Citizens’ legislative Iniciative: “Ley Orgánica 3/1984, de 26 de marzo, Reguladora de la Iniciativa Legislativa Popular”:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-3-1984-de-26-de-marzo/
Verified: 2025/04/24
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: The Statute of Autonomy of a region must be approved by the electorate in the provinces within the territory to be covered by the proposed Statute. Furthermore, if a total revision of the Constitution is proposed (or a modification of the core principles), once it has been approved by the Cortes Generales with a majority of 2/3, it shall be submitted to ratification by referendum.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Española”, art. 167, 168:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/24
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A bill on constitutional amendments can be submitted to ratification by referendum if requested by 1/10 of the members of either House. A consultative referendum can be called for decisions of special importance.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Española”, art. 92 & 152:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/24
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: "An organic law will regulate the forms of exercise and requirements for popular initiative for the presentation of bill proposals. In any case, no fewer than 500,000 accredited signatures will be required."
Source: Constitution, “Constitución Española”, art. 87(3)
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/24
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 500,000 citizens must sign the request. This initiative shall not be allowed for matters concerning organic acts, taxation, international affairs or the prerogative of pardon.
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Española”, art. 87(3): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/;
Law 3/1984 of 26 March on Citizens’ legislative Iniciative: “Ley Orgánica 3/1984, de 26 de marzo, Reguladora de la Iniciativa Legislativa Popular”:
http://www.boe.es/buscar/act.php?id=BOE-A-1984-7249/
Verified: 2025/04/24
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Española”, art. 87, 151, 167 & 168:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/24
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
b . Sometimes binding
Comments:
Source: Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook (2008) http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm
Constitution, "Constitucion Espanola", art. 92, 167, 168:
https://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/24
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
c . Both constitutional and other issues
Comments:
Source: Constitution: “Constitución Española”, art. 87, 151, 167, 168:
http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-constitucion-espanola-2011-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/24
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Junta Electoral Central Official Website: http://www.juntaelectoralcentral.es/portal/page/portal/JuntaElectoralCentral/JuntaElectoralCentral/Referendos/Autonomico (2012)
Verified: 2025/04/24
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
a . At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections f . By mail j . Other
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 4 & 72: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/ [2016];
Royal Decree 1621/2007 of 7 December, regulating the voting of Spanish citizens residing temporarily abroad: "Real Decreto 1621/2007, de 7 de diciembre, por el que se regula un procedimiento de votación para los ciudadanos españoles que se encuentran temporalmente en el extranjero", http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-codigo-de-derecho-electoral-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/24
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country d . Members of the armed forces g . Other
Comments: Los españoles que laboren en embarcaciones con bandera española.
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 72 & 74: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/ [2016];
Royal Decree 605/1999 of April 16, about complementary regulations of the electoral processes: “Real Decreto 605/1999, de 16 de abril, de regulación complementaria de los procesos electorales”, art. 9”, http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-codigo-de-derecho-electoral-2016/;
Royal Decree 1621/2007 of 7 December, regulating the voting of Spanish citizens residing temporarily abroad: “Real Decreto 1621/2007, de 7 de diciembre, por el que se regula un procedimiento de votación para los ciudadanos españoles que se encuentran temporalmente en el extranjero”, http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-codigo-de-derecho-electoral-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/24
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
b . Consulates e . By mail
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, arts. 72 & 74: http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/ [2016];
Royal Decree 605/1999 of April 16, about complementary regulations of the electoral processes: “Real Decreto 605/1999, de 16 de abril, de regulación complementaria de los procesos electorales”, art. 9”, http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-codigo-de-derecho-electoral-2016/;
Royal Decree 1621/2007 of 7 December, regulating the voting of Spanish citizens residing temporarily abroad: “Real Decreto 1621/2007, de 7 de diciembre, por el que se regula un procedimiento de votación para los ciudadanos españoles que se encuentran temporalmente en el extranjero”, http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-codigo-de-derecho-electoral-2016/
Verified: 2025/04/24
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: “Ley Orgánica 5/1985, de 19 de junio, del Régimen Electoral General”, art. 81(2) 85(1), 86(2): http://aceproject.org/ero-en/regions/europe/ES/espana-ley-organica-5-1985-de-19-de-junio-del-1/ [2016]
Verified: 2025/04/24
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