Spain starts countdown to possible third national election in year

Spanish acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy addresses the media during a news conference after his meeting with Ciudadanos party leader Albert Rivera (not pictured) at the Spanish Parliament in Madrid, Spain, August 18, 2016. REUTERS/Javier Barbancho

MADRID (Reuters) - The clock starts ticking on Wednesday towards what could be Spain's third national election in a year when acting Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy faces a confidence vote in parliament for a second term in office.

Spain has been without a functioning government since inconclusive elections in December and June failed to hand a convincing mandate to any political party. So far, party leaders have been unable to agree on forming a coalition.