What is the meaning of incumbent?
The full sentence is following:
"The new Spanish party, Podemos, aims for a repeat of the Greek scenario in Spain, with some polls already show it ahead of the incumbent Conservatives and the main opposition Socialists for national elections due later this year."

Thanks!

Question

What is the meaning of incumbent?
The full sentence is following:
"The new Spanish party, Podemos, aims for a repeat of the Greek scenario in Spain, with some polls already show it ahead of the incumbent Conservatives and the main opposition Socialists for national elections due later this year."

Thanks!

Answer

Incumbent is another way of saying current/existing. So for example, in the paragraph above, it is referring to the fact that the conservatives are the current/existing party in power.

Answer

The incumbent is the person or party that currently holds the position that is being contested in the election.

Answer

Incumbent means "holding a position" or "having an obligation". Here, they are saying that the Conservatives are "incumbent" because they are currently holding the position. This is why the socialists are listed as "opposition" because they are challenging the Conservatives for the position.

Hope this helps :)