The incumbent Basque nationalists won most votes in today's election in Spain's Basque country but were likely to fall short of a majority in the regional parliament again, a first official projection showed.
The projection - based on a small sample of votes and announced by the Basque regional government - showed the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV) and a smaller ally would claim between 31 and 33 of the 75 seats in the parliament, less than an outright majority of 38.
The Popular Party of Spanish Prime Minister Mr Jose Maria Aznar and the opposition Socialists - which could form an anti-independence alliance - would win between 31 and 34 seats, also short of a majority, the results said.
Earlier, exit polls by television stations showed the nationalists winning most votes but short of a majority. Only one of four exit polls suggested the Madrid-based parties could win the 38 seats required to control parliament.
As the most voted party, the PNV would have the first chance to form a government but would need the support of other parties.