Spanish voters cast ballots for a parliament that will have to tackle the country's mounting economic problems.
Some are dispirited over the same debt crisis, rising unemployment and public spending cuts that many of their European neighbours are also facing.
(SOUNDBITE) VOTER IN SPANISH PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION, AMPARO, SAYING (Spanish):
"These are very important elections because we are in a grave crisis and different things could happen depending on who is going to rule."
Many Spaniards are angry at the ruling Socialists for failing to prevent the debt crisis and the resulting austerity measures.
Voters are expected to deliver a decisive victory to opposition leader Mariano Rajoy -- seen here voting -- and his conservative People's Party.
(SOUNDBITE) PEOPLE'S PARTY CANDIDATE, MARIANO RAJOY, SAYING (Spanish):
"These years have been tough for Spain and from now I want this to take place like it should in a country that is great and civilised like ours, that people vote as they see fit and take this all forward."
The European debt crisis has brought deep public dissatisfaction and toppled governments in Italy, Greece, Ireland and Portugal.
Although austerity measures are unpopular, Spain's next government is expected to make additional cuts to avoid an international bailout.
Lindsey Parietti, Reuters
