Spain returns to the polls amid tensions over Catalonia

Spanish Socialist Party (PSOE) leader is hoping to get a ruling majority from the election. [Photo: AFP]

Spain holds its fourth general election in as many years on Sunday with renewed tensions over Catalonia's separatist movement in the foreground, an issue that has fuelled a surge in support for upstart far-right party Vox.

Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the repeat polls after failing to secure support from other parties following an inconclusive election in April which saw his Socialist party win the most votes, but no working majority, in parliament.