Spain’s ruling Socialist party can no longer be confident of winning a general election in three weeks time, as an economic slowdown swiftly erodes its lead.

Election Online

For background news and analysis, profiles of the main figures and a guide to the battleground issues see www.ft.com/spanishelections

The election on March 9 is already shaping up to be one of the most closely fought and ideologically divisive contests of the post-Franco era.