Spain holds polls amid protests
Voting begins in Spain's local elections as tens of thousands of angry demonstrators remain camped out in squares to protest the government's economic policies.
Polls opened at 9 a.m. (0700 GMT) and close at 8 p.m. (1800 GMT) with first results expected between 10 p.m. (2000 GMT) and 11 p.m. (2100 GMT). The outcome of Sunday's regional elections are unlikely to be effected by the pressure of the protesters; however, the ruling Socialists are expected to suffer major losses in the elections for city councils and regional governments, according to the state-run broadcaster. More than 34 million people are eligible to vote, choosing 8,116 mayors, 68,400 town councilors and 824 members of regional parliaments for 13 of the 17 semi-autonomous regions.