Catalonia Parliamentary Elections: Separatists vs. Unionists

Citizens of the Catalonia region in Spain will participate in local parliamentary elections on Thursday; an election that showcases the power struggle between supporters and opponents of the region's separation from Spain. This election comes two months after the failed declaration of independence of Catalonia from Spain. Following the referendum on October 1, which led to the declaration of independence, the central government of Spain deemed the referendum illegal, prosecuted separatist leaders, dissolved the local government and parliament, and took direct control of the region. In the previous local parliament of Catalonia, the separatists held the majority, and the Spanish government hopes that supporters of national unity will secure the majority of seats in the upcoming parliament. Nearly 5.5 million people have registered for the elections on Thursday. Candidates are competing for 135 parliamentary seats. In the previous parliament, the separatists held an absolute majority with 72 seats. Reports indicate that even before the polling stations opened in Barcelona, voters were waiting in long lines to cast their votes. AFP reported that even if the separatists regain control of the parliament, it is unlikely they will declare independence again. Carles Puigdemont, the ousted leader of the separatists who has gone to Belgium, previously called on all separatist parties and groups in the region to form a coalition to ensure victory in the local parliamentary elections. The central government of Spain has accused Carles Puigdemont of rebellion, incitement against the government, misuse of public funds, disobedience, and undermining public trust. Oriol Junqueras, Puigdemont's deputy who remained in Spain, along with several other former Catalan officials, is in prison. After the independence referendum, more than 3,000 companies have moved their offices out of the region. AFP writes that it is likely that neither side will be able to secure the majority needed to form a local government, and the next government will be a coalition. El País also analyzed that the outcome of Thursday's elections will likely be determined by undecided voters. According to polls, one-fifth of the 5.5 million registered voters had not made a clear decision before the elections. The elections will take place from 9 AM to 8 PM. In this context, hundreds of thousands in Barcelona demanded the release of imprisoned separatists. The ousted leader of Catalonia called for a coalition of separatist parties in the parliamentary elections. The Spanish Constitutional Court suspended the Catalonia parliament session on Monday. The central government of Spain took control of the Catalonia region.