VOTING fraud claims are spreading in Spain ahead of a crucial election this weekend, casting doubts about the results even before votes have been counted.

The allegations about mail ballots and election fraud on social media, amplified by supporters of the right-wing Popular Party and far-right Vox Party, come as the right aims to take power away from the Spanish Socialist Workers Party and its coalition partner United We Can.

Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the early election after his coalition lost badly in this year’s local and regional elections that were also marked by online misinformation about voting, as well as a surge in hateful content about Muslims and immigrants.