Welcome to our live coverage of a crucial election in Catalonia.

Just a couple of months ago, the semi-autonomous region of Spain seemed poised to break away in one of Europe's biggest political crises in years.

Spain pushed back, sacking the region's separatist leaders, imprisoning some while others fled abroad. The regional parliament was dissolved and now a new one is being elected to take its place.

Separatists see it as a chance to show the strength of their support - after October's banned referendum - while unionists hope victory will kill off the independence movement.

Stay with us for developments as they break, as well as details and analysis from our journalists on the ground.