In Catalonia, Elections Bring Mixed Results

Catalonia's recent elections, which the regional government touted as a prelude to a referendum on independence, produced mixed results. Secessionist forces won a majority of seats at the regional parliament but obtained less than 50 percent of the popular vote. This means that at least at the regional level, the independence process will be delayed, though it probably will not be stopped. However, the Catalan vote also has important national implications since it was the last electoral test to be held before Spain's general elections, scheduled for late December.