Millions of Andalucians are heading to the polls today to decide who will lead their regional government for the next four years.

Polling stations opened at 9am and close at 8pm this Sunday, May 17, marking the start of a decisive night that will shape the region’s political future.

As soon as voting ends, the count begins. But while the ballot boxes provide the first answers, the real outcome will depend on how the 109 seats in the Andalucian parliament are distributed.

The key number to watch is 55, which is the threshold for an absolute majority.

That figure will determine whether any of the main candidates (Juanma Moreno, Maria Jesus Montero, Manuel Gavira, Antonio Maillo or Jose Ignacio Garcia) can govern outright or whether negotiations will be needed.

The first indications of how the night is unfolding are expected shortly after 8pm, when early estimates and initial counts begin to emerge.

From there, the picture should gradually become clearer as more votes are tallied through the evening.

For those watching from home, several broadcasters are running dedicated live coverage. Canal Sur begins its special programme at 7.15pm, following the close of polling stations, early projections and reactions from party headquarters.

RTVE will also air a live election special from 7.45pm, while laSexta continues its coverage later in the evening with its own in-depth analysis and updates.

As the night progresses, attention will shift from who has won the most votes to who can realistically form a government.

Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.