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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
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: Constituencies are not delimited for election purposes but existing regional/provincial/other boundaries are used.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 161, 179, 214
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
g . Not applicable
Comments: Population is not a criteria.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 161, 179, 214
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
m . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 137
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
l . Other
Comments: Combination of territorial and population proportional representation.
Source: Constitution, Art. 69;
Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 165
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
a . d'Hondt Formula
Comments: Blocked party lists and the d'Hondt system of proportional representation is used.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 162 and 163
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
c . Regional/provincial level
Comments: 350 members:
a) 2 seats minimum per province (50 provinces = 50 constituencies ), the rest is allotted according to each provinces' population.
b) 2 single-seat constituencies (Autonomous Cities of Ceuta and Melilla)
Source: Constitution, Art. 68;
Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 162
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
c . Regional or provincial level
Comments: Directly elected Senators: 52 multi-member constituencies corresponding to the Spanish provinces as well as to Ceuta and Melilla.
Voters from a provincial constituency may give their vote to a maximum of 3 Senators; Voters from some islands (Gran Canaria, Mallorca, Tenerife) as well as from Ceuta and Melilla can elect up to 2 Senators each; the rest of island constituencies can only elect one Senator.
Indirectly elected Senators: In each of the 17 Autonomous Communities the Legislative Assembly elects one Senator, plus one more for each 1,000,000 inhabitants.
Source: Constitution, Art. 69(2);
Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 161, 165, 166
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: There should be a minimum of 2 seats per province. Some political parties set a 25 % quota of women in their lists. However, this is not regulated.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 162(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 165 and 166
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: b) A minimum of 3 % of the valid votes is required.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 163(1)
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments: It depends on the Province and its population.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 166(1)b
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: b.) 3%
This percentage applies to all candidates regardless of them being independent or not.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 163(1)
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
a . No minimum
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 166
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) b . Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: a) Elections are held every four (4) years.
b) Both chambers can be dissolved by the Head of Government and elections can be called in advance.
Source: a) Constitution, Art. 68(4) and 99(5);
b) Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 167(3)
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
a . At fixed intervals (specify length) b . Elections can be called at any time (specify by whom)
Comments: a) Elections are held every four (4) years.
b) Both chambers can be dissolved by the Head of Government and elections can be called in advance.
Source: a) Constitution, Art. 69(6) and 99(5);
b) Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 167(3)
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: a) From 9 am to 8 pm
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 84
Verified: 2012/04/17
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments: a) From 9 am to 8 pm
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June, Art. 84
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
a . January 2000 or later
Comments: The 1985 Electoral Law was amended in 2007.
Source: Electoral Law 9/2007 of 8 October, amending the Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
LF005
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
Answer:
a . National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections
Comments: The LOREG does not mention any specific prohibition for this, but the electoral experience shows different elections on the same day for regional and local elections, not national elections.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Organica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 15 and 42
Verified: 2012/04/17
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
c . Not applicable
Comments: The President is nominated by the King (after consultations with all political forces) and elected by the Parliament.
Source: Constitution, Art. 99
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Organica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 112(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates b . Parties e . Other
Comments: e) The agents of the parties that took part in the elections in that constituency.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Organica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 110
Verified: 2012/04/17
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
b . Constitutional (or similar) Court
Comments: Constitutional Court ("Tribunal Constitucional").
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Organica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 114(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
b . Legislative Committee f . Other
Comments: b) The Parliament and the Senate
f) The government
Source: Constitution, Art. 81 and 87
Verified: 2012/04/17
Electoral Management
EM001
Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
Name of Institution: The EMB ("Administración Electoral") is composed of the "Juntas Electorales" (Electoral Board): the Central Board ("Junta Electoral Central") and the local boards ("Juntas Electorales Provinciales" and "Juntas Electorales de Zona"
Website Address: http://www.juntaelectoralcentral.es/
Source
Portal Electoral Official Website: http://www.portalelectoral.es/content/view/5/29/ (2012)
Verified
2013/07/10
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
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 9 and 16
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
a . Elected (specify by whom)
Comments: The President of the Central Electoral Board is elected by all of its members and chosen from the 8 judges in the Board.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 9(4)
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration d . Mental disability h . Other
Comments: h) Certain high-ranking government officials, political and public posts, members of the armed forces, members of the assembly of an Autonomous Community, and Members of an electoral committee
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 3
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
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
a . National citizens register
Comments: Electoral Census obtained from the Municipality's list of inhabitants.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 31 and 32
Verified: 2012/04/17
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments: a) Monthly
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 34(1)
Verified: 2012/04/17
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
a . Links to national population records
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 34
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
f . Other
Comments: f) There are two main requirements: 1) To be in the Register for Political Parties and 2) to appoint a representative to the Electoral Administration.
Source: Law 6/2002 of 27 June about political parties;
Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 43
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship f . Registration j . Other
Comments: j) Not to be ineligible according to article 6 of the Electoral Law
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 6 and 46
Verified: 2012/04/17
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments: The president is indirectly elected by the national legislature.
Source: Constitution, Art. 98 and 99
Verified: 2012/04/17
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration f . Holding of military office n . Holding of other public offices (police etc.) o . Other
Comments: o) Reasons for being totally or partially ineligible: Members of Royal family, Presidents of Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, Financing Court, State Council, Judges in service, Chiefs of Diplomatic Missions in third countries, Directors of public television and radio stations, etc.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 6
Verified: 2012/04/17
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
o . Not applicable
Comments: The President is indirectly elected by the national legislature.
Source: Constitution, Art. 98 and 99
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify)
Comments: a) The minimum number of signatures for an electors' group depends on the type of election. For national elections 1% of signatures -of voters in the voter roll- is required.
d) Other requisites are: name, acronym and symbol of the party or group, name and last name of the candidate; certificate of eligibility to be elected.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 46, 149 and 169
Verified: 2012/04/17
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify) d . Other
Comments: a) The minimum number of signatures for an electors' group depends on the type of election. In the General elections it is required a 1% of the voters signatures in the voter roll.
d) Other requisites are: name, acronym and symbol or the party or group, name and last name of the candidate; certificate of being able to be elected. It may be specified on each candidate his/her independency status.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 46, 149 and 169
Verified: 2012/04/17
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not Applicable
Comments: The President is indirectly elected by the national legislature.
Source: Constitution, Art. 98 and 99
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 124 and 127;
Law 3/1987 of 2 July on the funding of political parties, Art. 2, 3 and 4
Verified: 2012/04/17
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
a . Free media access
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 60(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
a . General party administration b . Election campaign activities
Comments:
Source: Law 3/1987 of 2 July on the funding of political parties, Art. 3;
Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 60(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Law 3/1987 of 2 July on the funding of political parties, Art. 2-8
Verified: 2012/04/17
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
d . Ceilings on how much money a party can raise
Comments: d) Controlled by the Court of Auditors
Source: Law 3/1987 of 2 July on the funding of political parties, Art. 2-8 and 11
Verified: 2012/04/17
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
d . Ceilings on how much money a candidate can raise i . Other
Comments: i) Political parties should have a system of self control and they are not permitted to receive anonymous donations, which are larger then the 5% of the total contribution assigned by the state annually.
Source: Law 3/1987 of 2 July on the funding of political parties, Art. 4(3)a
Verified: 2012/04/17
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
d . Other
Comments: d) The Court of Auditors
Source: Law 3/1987 of 2 July on the funding of political parties, Art. 11(1)
Verified: 2012/04/17
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
Comments: Ballots of different colours are used for different parties.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 172(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
e . Ability to vote for candidates within parties (personal vote) i . Party symbols in black and white q . Multilingual r . Other
Comments: Possibility of marking candidates.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 172(3)
Verified: 2012/04/17
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
s . Not Applicable
Comments: The President is indirectly elected by the national legislature.
Source: Constitution, Art. 98 and 99
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
f . Each ballot paper held up for public scrutiny, with name of party/candidate called out loud l . Counted by hand p . Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count q . Copies of results are provided to observers r . Observers and party agents are permitted to take their own copies of the results
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 95, 96, 98
Verified: 2012/04/17
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
e . National level
Comments: Provisional results are communicated by phone to the Ministry of Interior and are then gathered by a National Center from where they are transmitted to media and citizens.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 98-108
Verified: 2012/04/17
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
c . Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)
Comments: c) Constituencies
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 163
Verified: 2012/04/17
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
a . Physically transported b . By telephone g . Internet
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 100 and 101
Verified: 2012/04/17
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
f . Certificate of result
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 100 and 101
Verified: 2012/04/17
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
c . Signatures on sealed envelopes e . Accompanied by election officials h . Accompanied by police or other security personnel
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 101 and 102
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 103-109
Verified: 2012/04/17
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 103-109
Verified: 2012/04/17
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
b . Regional Election Management body
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 103-108
Verified: 2012/04/17
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 98(2)
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 108
Verified: 2012/04/17
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
b . days:
Comments: b) Approximately 8 to 10 days maximum.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 107 and 108
Verified: 2012/04/17
Media and Elections
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
a . Government
Comments: a) AND the independent communities (Comunidades Autónomas) on regional level
Source: Law 7/2010 of 31 March on Audiovisual Communication, Art. 22(3)
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
b . Private companies d . Foreigners f . State owned companies g . Other
Comments: g) Non-profit entities
Source: Law 7/2010 of 31 March on Audiovisual Communication, Art. 25, 40, 52;
Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 59-67
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME024
Question: What legal instruments are used to regulate media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
a . Law
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 59-67
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 65
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME033
Question: Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
Answer:
a . EMB
Comments: a) In collaboration with a Committee on Radio and Television and the regional electoral bodies
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 65
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME034
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 59-67
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME035
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 59-67
Verified: 2012/04/18
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
ME039
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 59-67
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME040
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME042
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
c . Based on result of previous election
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 61-64 and 67
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME043
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 58(2)
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME044
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 58
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME045
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 58(1)
Verified: 2012/04/18
ME046
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 58
Verified: 2012/04/18
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
ME061
Question: Which of the following information in reporting the results of opinion polls are required to be disclosed by law?
Answer(s):
a . Person or agency that commissioned the opinion poll c . Characteristics of the sample d . Size of the sample e . Margin of error f . Other
Comments: a) Name and address of agency or entity, public or private or individual who has conducted the survey and who has commissioned the implementation.
b) Technical characteristics of the survey, which necessarily include the following points: sampling system, sample size, margin of error, level of representation, method of selection of participants and date of completion of the questionnaire
c) Full text of the questions raised and number of people who have not responded to each question.
Source: Electoral Law 5/1985 of 19 June ("Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General"), Art. 69(1)
Verified: 2012/04/18
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
DD008
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 151, 168;
Law 2/1980 of 18 January ("Ley Orgánica de Regulación de las distintas modalidades de referendum")
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD009
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 151, 168;
Law 2/1980 of 18 January ("Ley Orgánica de Regulación de las distintas modalidades de referendum")
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD010
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
c . Requirement for signature collectors to be registered electors
Comments:
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative, Art. 1, 9, 10
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD101
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD102
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law 2/1980 of 18 January ("Ley Orgánica de Regulación de las distintas modalidades de referendum")
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD103
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
a . All signatures checked
Comments:
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative, Art. 9, 10
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD104
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD105
Question: Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
Answer(s):
d . Other (specify)
Comments: d) The Central Electoral Committee
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative, Art. 12
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD108
Question: Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD011
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
b . Specific laws/legislation
Comments:
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD111
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD112
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source: Law 2/1980 of 18 January ("Ley Orgánica de Regulación de las distintas modalidades de referendum"), Art. 14-15
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD113
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD114
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD115
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
Answer:
b . Other (specify)
Comments: The campaign cannot last less than 10 and more than 20 days and it must end one day before the voting for the referendum.
Source: Law 2/1980 of 18 January ("Ley Orgánica de Regulación de las distintas modalidades de referendum"), Art. 15
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD118
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments: e) Only political groups represented in the Parliament
Source: Law 2/1980 of 18 January ("Ley Orgánica de Regulación de las distintas modalidades de referendum"), Art. 14
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
e . Other (specify)
Comments: The State shall indemnify the "Promoting Commission" for the costs incurred in the transmission of the proposal and the collection of signatures.
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative, Art. 15
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD012
Question: What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD121
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
b . Free media access c . Free publication space in information document
Comments:
Source: Law 2/1980 of 18 January ("Ley Orgánica de Regulación de las distintas modalidades de referendum"), Art. 14
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
a . Financial grant
Comments: a) The State shall indemnify the "Promoting Commission" for the costs incurred in the transmission of the proposal and the collection of signatures.
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative, Art. 15
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD123
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD127
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign for a recall?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Government (specify department)
Comments:
Source: Royal Decree 1599/2004 of 2 July, on the organisation of the Ministry of Interior, Art. 8
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Royal Decree 1599/2004 of 2 July, on the organisation of the Ministry of Interior, Art. 8
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/23
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
b . Yes, in some municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
a . Always
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
c . Never
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
b . Legislative proposals
Comments:
Source: Constitution, Art. 87(3)
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
a . Constitutional amendments b . Adoption of international treaties h . Taxes and public expenditure commitments j . Other (specify)
Comments: j) Prerogative of pardon.
Matters regulated by Organic Acts
Source: Constitution, Art. 87(3)
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
a . Proposed title b . General explanation of purpose c . Full proposed text d . Other (specify)
Comments: The list of members of the Commission that defends the Initiative (with the personal data of all members of that Commission).
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative, Art. 3
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
a . Proponents of the initiative
Comments:
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative, Art. 3
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
f . More than one subject area g . Other (specify)
Comments: g) 1. The prior existence in the Parliament or the Senate of a bill or Act with the same subject.
2. The prior existence of another initiative of the same or substantially equivalent content presented during the current legislature.
3. The prior existence of a motion of Law with the same subject that has been approved by one of the Chambers.
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative, Art. 5
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD078
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD079
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer:
a . Fixed time period (specify)
Comments: a) 6 months
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative, Art. 7(3)
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD080
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD081
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD082
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD083
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD085
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD086
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD087
Question: Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD088
Question: Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD089
Question: Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD090
Question: Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
a . Anywhere
Comments:
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD091
Question: Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD092
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD093
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD094
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD095
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
a . Signatories must provide identity/voting card number c . Other (specify)
Comments: c) First name, Family name and municipality in which the signatory is registered
Source: Law 3/1984 of 26 March regulating the citizens' initiative, Art. 9(1)
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD096
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD097
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD098
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
DD099
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/18
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
VO001
Question: Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
Answer:
a . 91-100%
Comments: Enterprise INDRA and National enterprises of printing.
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments: But, the officials' duties and punishments for electoral crimes are stated in the electoral law.
Source:
Verified: 2012/04/17
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
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
b . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: "Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General", Art. 72 and 74;
Royal Decree 1621/2007 of 7 December regulating the voting of Spanish citizens residing temporarily abroad
Verified: 2012/04/17
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
b . By mail
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: "Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General", Art. 72 and 74;
Royal Decree 1621/2007 of 7 December regulating the voting of Spanish citizens residing temporarily abroad
Verified: 2012/04/17
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
a . Everyone
Comments: Previous request to vote by mail.
Source: Electoral Law: "Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General", Art. 72 and 74;
Royal Decree 1621/2007 of 7 December regulating the voting of Spanish citizens residing temporarily abroad
Verified: 2012/04/17
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: "Ley Orgánica del Régimen Electoral General", Art. 23(2)
Verified: 2012/04/17
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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