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.

Most polls favour the Popular Party, but it will likely need the support of the Vox — which opposes abortion rights, denies climate change and spreads anti-Muslim hate — to form a governing majority.

In recent weeks, debunked videos claiming to show election workers stuffing a ballot box have circulated widely on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook labelled the videos false, while Twitter has taken no action.

Other videos spreading on Facebook and TikTok allege that Mr Sanchez’s party will steal the election to prevent a defeat.

The use of mail ballots is a particular focus of election conspiracy theories, with some far-right voters suggesting the post office would be used to throw the election to Mr Sanchez.

Popular Party leader Alberto Feijoo has amplified the narrative, urging postal employees at his rally last week to “work to the maximum” and remain independent.

Social media researchers at nonprofit Reset identified 88 online accounts that have repeatedly spread extremist content in Spain that have more than 14 million followers, including about a million recent ones.