Electoral system
The constituency was created as per the Political Reform Act 1977 and was first contested in the 1977 general election. The Act provided for the provinces of Spain to be established as multi-member districts in the Congress of Deputies,[1] with this regulation being maintained under the Spanish Constitution of 1978. Additionally, the Constitution requires for any modification of the provincial limits to be approved under an organic law, needing an absolute majority in the Cortes Generales.[2]
Voting is on the basis of universal suffrage, which comprises all nationals over eighteen and in full enjoyment of their political rights. The only exception was in 1977, when this was limited to nationals over twenty-one and in full enjoyment of their political and civil rights. Amendments to the electoral law in 2011 required for Spaniards abroad to apply for voting before being permitted to vote, a system known as "begged" or expat vote (Spanish: Voto rogado).[3] 348 seats are elected using the D'Hondt method and a closed list proportional representation, with a threshold of 3 percent of valid votes—which includes blank ballots—being applied in each constituency. Parties not reaching the threshold are not taken into consideration for seat distribution. Additionally, the use of the D'Hondt method may result in an effective threshold over three percent, depending on the district magnitude.[4] Each provincial constituency is entitled to an initial minimum of two seats, with the remaining 248 allocated among the constituencies in proportion to their populations. Ceuta and Melilla are allocated the two remaining seats, which are elected using plurality voting.[2][5][6][7]
The electoral law provides that parties, federations, coalitions and groupings of electors are allowed to present lists of candidates. However, groupings of electors are required to secure the signature of at least 1 percent of the electors registered in the constituency for which they are seeking election—0.1 percent and, at least, the signature of 500 electors, until 1985—. Also since 2011, parties, federations or coalitions who have not obtained a mandate in either House of Parliament at the preceding election are required to secure the signature of at least 0.1 percent of the electors registered in the constituency for which they are seeking election. Electors are barred from signing for more than one list of candidates. Concurrently, parties and federations intending to enter in coalition to take part jointly at an election are required to inform the relevant Electoral Commission within ten days of the election being called.[5][7]
Elections
2016 general election
Summary of the 26 June 2016 Congress of Deputies election results in Palencia
Parties and coalitions |
Popular vote |
Seats |
Votes |
% |
±pp |
Total |
+/− |
|
People's Party (PP) |
45,965 | 45.68 | +5.38 |
2 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) |
24,751 | 24.60 | +0.05 |
1 | ±0 |
|
United We Can (Podemos–IU–eQuo)1 |
15,077 | 14.98 | –2.96 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Citizens–Party of the Citizenry (C's) |
12,428 | 12.35 | –1.80 |
0 | ±0 |
|
|
Animalist Party Against Mistreatment of Animals (PACMA) |
761 | 0.76 | +0.16 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Union, Progress and Democracy (UPyD) |
273 | 0.27 | –0.52 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Zero Cuts–Green Group (Recortes Cero–GV) |
202 | 0.20 | +0.05 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Phalanx of the CNSO (FE–JONS) |
184 | 0.18 | –0.03 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain (PCPE) |
90 | 0.09 | –0.03 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Internationalist Solidarity and Self-Management (SAIn) |
57 | 0.06 | –0.01 |
0 | ±0 |
Blank ballots |
838 | 0.83 | –0.12 |
|
|
Total |
100,626 | |
3 | ±0 |
|
Valid votes |
100,626 | 98.81 | +0.02 |
|
Invalid votes |
1,212 | 1.19 | –0.02 |
Votes cast / turnout |
101,838 | 70.83 | –2.53 |
Abstentions |
41,931 | 29.17 | +2.53 |
Registered voters |
143,769 | |
|
Sources[8] |
|
2015 general election
Summary of the 20 December 2015 Congress of Deputies election results in Palencia
Parties and coalitions |
Popular vote |
Seats |
Votes |
% |
±pp |
Total |
+/− |
|
People's Party (PP) |
42,182 | 40.30 | –14.85 |
2 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) |
25,698 | 24.55 | –6.73 |
1 | ±0 |
|
Citizens–Party of the Citizenry (C's) |
14,814 | 14.15 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
We Can (Podemos) |
14,083 | 13.45 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
United Left–Popular Unity in Common (IU–UPeC) |
4,699 | 4.49 | –1.38 |
0 | ±0 |
|
|
Union, Progress and Democracy (UPyD) |
828 | 0.79 | –3.61 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Animalist Party Against Mistreatment of Animals (PACMA) |
624 | 0.60 | +0.27 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Phalanx of the CNSO (FE–JONS) |
218 | 0.21 | –0.01 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Blank Seats (EB) |
182 | 0.17 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Zero Cuts–Green Group (Recortes Cero–GV) |
159 | 0.15 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain (PCPE) |
126 | 0.12 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Internationalist Solidarity and Self-Management (SAIn) |
72 | 0.07 | –0.01 |
0 | ±0 |
Blank ballots |
993 | 0.95 | –0.72 |
|
|
Total |
104,678 | |
3 | ±0 |
|
Valid votes |
104,678 | 98.79 | +0.31 |
|
Invalid votes |
1,277 | 1.21 | –0.31 |
Votes cast / turnout |
105,955 | 73.36 | +0.15 |
Abstentions |
38,472 | 26.64 | –0.15 |
Registered voters |
144,427 | |
|
Sources[9] |
2011 general election
Summary of the 20 November 2011 Congress of Deputies election results in Palencia
Parties and coalitions |
Popular vote |
Seats |
Votes |
% |
±pp |
Total |
+/− |
|
People's Party (PP) |
58,759 | 55.15 | +5.43 |
2 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) |
33,328 | 31.28 | –12.31 |
1 | ±0 |
|
United Left of Castile and León: Plural Left (IUCyL) |
6,259 | 5.87 | +3.27 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Union, Progress and Democracy (UPyD) |
4,686 | 4.40 | +3.12 |
0 | ±0 |
|
|
Party of Castile and León (PCAL)1 |
565 | 0.53 | +0.18 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Animalist Party Against Mistreatment of Animals (PACMA) |
352 | 0.33 | +0.18 |
0 | ±0 |
|
For a Fairer World (PUM+J) |
249 | 0.23 | +0.12 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Phalanx of the CNSO (FE–JONS) |
234 | 0.22 | +0.14 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Regionalist Unity of Castile and León (URCL) |
174 | 0.16 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Internationalist Solidarity and Self-Management (SAIn) |
89 | 0.08 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Unification of Spain (UCE) |
77 | 0.07 | New |
0 | ±0 |
Blank ballots |
1,775 | 1.67 | +0.45 |
|
|
Total |
106,547 | |
3 | ±0 |
|
Valid votes |
106,547 | 98.48 | –0.77 |
|
Invalid votes |
1,644 | 1.52 | +0.77 |
Votes cast / turnout |
108,191 | 73.21 | –5.96 |
Abstentions |
39,592 | 26.79 | +5.96 |
Registered voters |
147,783 | |
|
Sources[10] |
|
2008 general election
Summary of the 9 March 2008 Congress of Deputies election results in Palencia
Parties and coalitions |
Popular vote |
Seats |
Votes |
% |
±pp |
Total |
+/− |
|
People's Party (PP) |
58,649 | 49.72 | –0.53 |
2 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) |
51,426 | 43.59 | +0.51 |
1 | ±0 |
|
|
United Left–Alternative (IU) |
3,069 | 2.60 | –0.24 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Union, Progress and Democracy (UPyD) |
1,510 | 1.28 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Commoners' Land (TC) |
417 | 0.35 | –0.32 |
0 | ±0 |
|
The Greens (LV) |
338 | 0.29 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
The Greens of Europe (LVdE) |
183 | 0.16 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Anti-Bullfighting Party Against Mistreatment of Animals (PACMA) |
177 | 0.15 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Party of the Castilian People (PCPC–PCPE) |
132 | 0.11 | +0.01 |
0 | ±0 |
|
For a Fairer World (PUM+J) |
132 | 0.11 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Phalanx of the CNSO (FE–JONS) |
100 | 0.08 | +0.02 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Citizens–Party of the Citizenry (C's) |
80 | 0.07 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Engine and Sports Alternative (AMD) |
74 | 0.06 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Humanist Party (PH) |
67 | 0.06 | –0.07 |
0 | ±0 |
|
National Democracy (DN) |
56 | 0.05 | ±0.00 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Authentic Phalanx (FA) |
37 | 0.03 | ±0.00 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Alternative (AES) |
36 | 0.03 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Front (Frente) |
24 | 0.02 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Centrist Party (PCTR) |
17 | 0.01 | New |
0 | ±0 |
Blank ballots |
1,440 | 1.22 | –0.74 |
|
|
Total |
117,964 | |
3 | ±0 |
|
Valid votes |
117,964 | 99.25 | +0.06 |
|
Invalid votes |
892 | 0.75 | –0.06 |
Votes cast / turnout |
118,856 | 79.17 | –0.27 |
Abstentions |
31,274 | 20.83 | +0.27 |
Registered voters |
150,130 | |
|
Sources[11] |
2000 general election
Summary of the 12 March 2000 Congress of Deputies election results in Palencia
Parties and coalitions |
Popular vote |
Seats |
Votes |
% |
±pp |
Total |
+/− |
|
People's Party (PP) |
64,185 | 55.52 | +4.23 |
2 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party–Progressives (PSOE–p) |
41,368 | 35.78 | –2.13 |
1 | ±0 |
|
United Left (IU) |
4,910 | 4.25 | –3.69 |
0 | ±0 |
|
|
Commoners' Land–Castilian Nationalist Party (TC–PNC) |
1,080 | 0.93 | +0.67 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Regionalist Unity of Castile and León (URCL) |
556 | 0.48 | +0.06 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Natural Law Party (PLN) |
257 | 0.22 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Centrist Union–Democratic and Social Centre (UC–CDS) |
225 | 0.19 | –0.21 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Cives (Cives) |
206 | 0.18 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain (PCPE) |
161 | 0.14 | +0.02 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Humanist Party (PH) |
113 | 0.10 | –0.03 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Independent Spanish Phalanx–Phalanx 2000 (FEI–FE 2000) |
100 | 0.09 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
The Phalanx (FE) |
78 | 0.07 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spain 2000 Platform (ES2000) |
64 | 0.06 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Democratic Party (PADE) |
59 | 0.05 | New |
0 | ±0 |
Blank ballots |
2,251 | 1.95 | +0.58 |
|
|
Total |
115,613 | |
3 | ±0 |
|
Valid votes |
115,613 | 99.17 | –0.22 |
|
Invalid votes |
963 | 0.83 | +0.22 |
Votes cast / turnout |
116,576 | 75.35 | –5.63 |
Abstentions |
38,142 | 24.65 | +5.63 |
Registered voters |
154,718 | |
|
Sources[13] |
1993 general election
Summary of the 6 June 1993 Congress of Deputies election results in Palencia
Parties and coalitions |
Popular vote |
Seats |
Votes |
% |
±pp |
Total |
+/− |
|
People's Party (PP) |
57,744 | 47.62 | +3.11 |
2 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) |
46,448 | 38.30 | +1.66 |
1 | ±0 |
|
United Left of Castile and León (IU) |
7,761 | 6.40 | +0.61 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Democratic and Social Centre (CDS) |
3,714 | 3.06 | –5.54 |
0 | ±0 |
|
|
People's Palentine Group (APP) |
1,410 | 1.16 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
The Greens (LV) |
826 | 0.68 | –0.48 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Ruiz-Mateos Group (ARM) |
550 | 0.45 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Regionalist Unity of Castile and León (URCL) |
428 | 0.35 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
The Ecologists (LE) |
322 | 0.27 | –0.41 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Commoners' Land–Castilian Nationalist Party (TC–PNC) |
216 | 0.18 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain (PCPE) |
147 | 0.12 | –0.08 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Phalanx of the CNSO (FE–JONS) |
122 | 0.10 | –0.10 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Natural Law Party (PLN) |
94 | 0.08 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Castilianist Union (UC) |
93 | 0.08 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Leonese People's Union (UPL) |
52 | 0.04 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Humanist Party (PH) |
51 | 0.04 | –0.09 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Party of El Bierzo (PB) |
35 | 0.03 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Unification of Spain (UCE) |
0 | 0.00 | New |
0 | ±0 |
Blank ballots |
1,250 | 1.03 | +0.11 |
|
|
Total |
121,263 | |
3 | ±0 |
|
Valid votes |
121,263 | 99.37 | +0.33 |
|
Invalid votes |
771 | 0.63 | –0.33 |
Votes cast / turnout |
122,034 | 80.59 | +4.05 |
Abstentions |
29,389 | 19.41 | –4.05 |
Registered voters |
151,423 | |
|
Sources[15] |
1989 general election
Summary of the 29 October 1989 Congress of Deputies election results in Palencia
Parties and coalitions |
Popular vote |
Seats |
Votes |
% |
±pp |
Total |
+/− |
|
People's Party (PP)1 |
50,186 | 44.51 | +4.85 |
2 | +1 |
|
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) |
41,313 | 36.64 | –3.59 |
1 | –1 |
|
Democratic and Social Centre (CDS) |
9,696 | 8.60 | –3.77 |
0 | ±0 |
|
United Left (IU) |
6,533 | 5.79 | +2.86 |
0 | ±0 |
|
|
The Greens–Green List (LV–LV) |
1,307 | 1.16 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
The Ecologist Greens (LVE) |
768 | 0.68 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Workers' Socialist Party (PST) |
735 | 0.65 | +0.28 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Workers' Party of Spain–Communist Unity (PTE–UC)2 |
398 | 0.35 | –0.62 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Phalanx of the CNSO (FE–JONS) |
226 | 0.20 | –0.26 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Party of the Peoples of Spain (PCPE) |
222 | 0.20 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Alliance for the Republic (AxR)3 |
182 | 0.16 | –0.12 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Humanist Party (PH) |
145 | 0.13 | New |
0 | ±0 |
Blank ballots |
1,041 | 0.92 | +0.18 |
|
|
Total |
112,752 | |
3 | ±0 |
|
Valid votes |
112,752 | 99.04 | +0.86 |
|
Invalid votes |
1,088 | 0.96 | –0.86 |
Votes cast / turnout |
113,840 | 76.54 | +0.49 |
Abstentions |
34,891 | 23.46 | –0.49 |
Registered voters |
148,731 | |
|
Sources[16] |
|
1986 general election
Summary of the 22 June 1986 Congress of Deputies election results in Palencia
Parties and coalitions |
Popular vote |
Seats |
Votes |
% |
±pp |
Total |
+/− |
|
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) |
44,952 | 40.23 | –2.71 |
2 | ±0 |
|
People's Coalition (AP–PDP–PL)1 |
44,311 | 39.66 | +0.86 |
1 | ±0 |
|
Democratic and Social Centre (CDS) |
13,819 | 12.37 | +8.47 |
0 | ±0 |
|
|
United Left (IU)2 |
3,271 | 2.93 | +0.62 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Democratic Reformist Party (PRD) |
1,634 | 1.46 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communists' Unity Board (MUC) |
1,081 | 0.97 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Phalanx of the CNSO (FE–JONS) |
519 | 0.46 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Workers' Socialist Party (PST) |
410 | 0.37 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Unification of Spain (UCE) |
364 | 0.33 | +0.11 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Internationalist Socialist Workers' Party (POSI) |
317 | 0.28 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Republican Popular Unity (UPR) |
234 | 0.21 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Party of the Communists of Catalonia (PCC) |
0 | 0.00 | New |
0 | ±0 |
Blank ballots |
827 | 0.74 | +0.15 |
|
|
Total |
111,739 | |
3 | ±0 |
|
Valid votes |
111,739 | 98.18 | +0.08 |
|
Invalid votes |
2,077 | 1.82 | –0.08 |
Votes cast / turnout |
113,816 | 76.05 | –7.79 |
Abstentions |
35,841 | 23.95 | +7.79 |
Registered voters |
149,657 | |
|
Sources[17] |
|
1982 general election
Summary of the 28 October 1982 Congress of Deputies election results in Palencia
Parties and coalitions |
Popular vote |
Seats |
Votes |
% |
±pp |
Total |
+/− |
|
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) |
49,756 | 42.94 | +16.87 |
2 | +1 |
|
People's Alliance–People's Democratic Party (AP–PDP)1 |
44,965 | 38.80 | +29.38 |
1 | +1 |
|
Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD) |
12,330 | 10.64 | –40.79 |
0 | –2 |
|
Democratic and Social Centre (CDS) |
4,516 | 3.90 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
|
Communist Party of Spain (PCE) |
2,679 | 2.31 | –2.24 |
0 | ±0 |
|
New Force (FN)2 |
707 | 0.61 | –3.16 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Unification of Spain (UCE) |
250 | 0.22 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Revolutionary Communist League (LCR) |
0 | 0.00 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Movement of Castile and León (MC–CL) |
0 | 0.00 | –0.30 |
0 | ±0 |
Blank ballots |
678 | 0.59 | –0.06 |
|
|
Total |
115,881 | |
3 | ±0 |
|
Valid votes |
115,881 | 98.10 | –0.33 |
|
Invalid votes |
2,248 | 1.90 | +0.33 |
Votes cast / turnout |
118,129 | 83.84 | +12.69 |
Abstentions |
22,767 | 16.16 | –12.69 |
Registered voters |
140,896 | |
|
Sources[18] |
|
1979 general election
Summary of the 1 March 1979 Congress of Deputies election results in Palencia
Parties and coalitions |
Popular vote |
Seats |
Votes |
% |
±pp |
Total |
+/− |
|
Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD) |
51,069 | 51.43 | +0.91 |
2 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE)1 |
25,888 | 26.07 | –2.30 |
1 | ±0 |
|
Democratic Coalition (CD)2 |
9,351 | 9.42 | –4.92 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Party of Spain (PCE) |
4,517 | 4.55 | +0.88 |
0 | ±0 |
|
National Union (UN) |
3,746 | 3.77 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
|
Party of Labour of Spain (PTE)3 |
1,033 | 1.04 | +0.23 |
0 | ±0 |
|
Workers' Communist Party (PCT) |
571 | 0.58 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Workers and Peasants Party (POC) |
493 | 0.50 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Ruralist Party (PRE) |
466 | 0.47 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Spanish Phalanx of the CNSO (Authentic) (FE–JONS(A)) |
367 | 0.37 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Workers' Revolutionary Organization (ORT) |
325 | 0.33 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Movement–Organization of Communist Left (MC–OIC) |
302 | 0.30 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Communist Organization of Spain (Red Flag) (OCE–BR) |
244 | 0.25 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Carlist Party (PC) |
153 | 0.15 | New |
0 | ±0 |
|
Proverist Party (PPr) |
117 | 0.12 | New |
0 | ±0 |
Blank ballots |
648 | 0.65 | +0.35 |
|
|
Total |
99,290 | |
3 | ±0 |
|
Valid votes |
99,290 | 98.43 | +0.08 |
|
Invalid votes |
1,587 | 1.57 | –0.08 |
Votes cast / turnout |
100,877 | 71.15 | –11.62 |
Abstentions |
40,906 | 28.85 | +11.62 |
Registered voters |
141,783 | |
|
Sources[19] |
|
1977 general election
Summary of the 15 June 1977 Congress of Deputies election results in Palencia
Parties and coalitions |
Popular vote |
Seats |
Votes |
% |
±pp |
Total |
+/− |
|
Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD) |
51,568 | 50.52 | n/a |
2 | n/a |
|
Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) |
25,878 | 25.35 | n/a |
1 | n/a |
|
People's Alliance (AP) |
14,638 | 14.34 | n/a |
0 | n/a |
|
Communist Party of Spain (PCE) |
3,744 | 3.67 | n/a |
0 | n/a |
|
People's Socialist Party–Socialist Unity (PSP–US) |
3,084 | 3.02 | n/a |
0 | n/a |
|
|
City and Country Independent Electoral Group (AEICC) |
1,623 | 1.59 | n/a |
0 | n/a |
|
Democratic Left Front (FDI) |
829 | 0.81 | n/a |
0 | n/a |
|
Carlist Electors' Group (ADC) |
396 | 0.39 | n/a |
0 | n/a |
Blank ballots |
310 | 0.30 | n/a |
|
|
Total |
102,070 | |
3 | n/a |
|
Valid votes |
102,070 | 98.35 | n/a |
|
Invalid votes |
1,708 | 1.65 | n/a |
Votes cast / turnout |
103,778 | 82.77 | n/a |
Abstentions |
21,607 | 17.23 | n/a |
Registered voters |
125,385 | |
|
Sources[20] |