(VOVworld) - A majority of Spanish lawmakers on Wednesday rejected conservative party leader Mariano Rajoy's bid to form a government, signaling that Spain's eight-month political deadlock is unlikely to end any time soon.

Spain's parliamentary session on August 31, 2016 (photo: EPA/VNA)

In an investiture vote following a two-day debate, Rajoy, the acting prime minister, was voted down by 180 lawmakers against 170 in favor, as had been expected. He had needed a majority of 176 votes in the 350-seat Parliament but could count only on his Popular Party's 137 lawmakers and the backing of 33 others.
Rajoy, 61, has a second chance on Friday when he needs only a simple majority of votes cast. Even so, all signs indicate he won't pass that test either as no other party appears willing to back him or even abstain. If no government is in place in two months' time, Parliament will be dissolved again and Spain will have to hold its third election in a year. That vote could come on December 25.