Spain election: Rajoy's Popular Party predicted to win

Voters in Spain are heading to the polls in an election expected to bring in a new conservative government to tackle the country's finances. Opinion polls have given the centre-right Popular Party, led by Mariano Rajoy Brey, a clear lead over the governing Socialist Party. Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero - who is not standing for re-election - called the election amid concerns over the economy. Mr Zapatero has led Spain since 2004. With slow growth and almost five million unemployed, the economy has been at the heart of the election campaign. Borrowing rates this week have passed 6% for most of this week, perilously close to the 7% level which is seen as unsustainable. Debt repayments Mr Rajoy, 56, has won support by promising to mend the country's economic problems and cut unemployment. But former Interior Minister Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba, the candidate for the Socialist Party, has accused Mr Rajoy of planning to make severe cuts to health and education. Analysts say the winner must move quickly to reassure markets that Spain is committed to repaying its debt. Polls conducted in November indicate the Popular Party will win more than 45% of the vote, some 15% ahead of the Socialists. Correspondents say many are angry with the Socialists for failing to allowing the economy to deteriorate and then for introducing tough austerity measures. The BBC's Sarah Rainsford, in Madrid, says whoever takes over will have little time, to show results. People are bracing themselves for a new wave of spending cuts and far deeper austerity, our correspondent says. Voting to elect 350 members of Parliament and 208 senators is due to start at 09:00 (08:00 GMT) on Sunday.