Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his right-wing rival are beginning negotiations in an attempt to avoid a fresh vote after an inconclusive snap election resulted in a hung Parliament.

Spain entered a phase of political uncertainty that could see the country return to the polls in a few months.
Sunday's snap election failed to produce a decisive winner.
The People's Party won most seats but fell short of parliamentary majority, even w/support of theVox party. pic.twitter.com/q5Bxrday38

— Rita Rosenfeld (@rheytah) July 24, 2023

Despite initial predictions of defeat, Sanchez managed to curb the gains of the right-wing opposition. The Popular Party (PP) and far-right Vox, its potential ally, fell short of the 176 seats needed for a governing majority, winning a total of 169 seats. Sanchez's Socialists and radical left Sumar ally secured 153 seats for the left bloc.

Both the right and the left face a difficult path to a majority, and the likelihood of either succeeding is minimal. Negotiations between parties will be necessary to form a government. Sanchez could potentially assemble 172 lawmakers behind him, potentially more than his rival Feijoo, which would secure a second parliamentary investiture vote that requires a simple majority.

However, challenges lie ahead, including the need for support from various regional formations and negotiation with separatist parties. If a government cannot be formed, Spain could be faced with another election.

The recent election was closely watched internationally due to the possibility of a far-right government, which now seems unlikely. Vox, which currently rules three of Spain's regions with the PP, pledged to roll back laws on various issues, including gender violence, LGBTQ rights, and abortion.