madrid/barcelona jail leader catalonia main pro-independence party back away demand unilateral secession spain days regional election poll suggest produce hang parliament independence drive tip spain bad political crisis since return democracy 1970s divide opinion region dent economic rebound prompt business exodus part country reply write question reuters pass prison hold allegations rebellion sedition oriol junqueras strike conciliatory tone write would continue pursue independence become catalonia next president also build bridge shake hand representatives spanish state assure democrats separatists aim gain independence always justify mean say comment appear drop party early demand unilateral secession junqueras esquerra republicana republican leave party tip become large separatist force parliament thursday ballot survey suggest neither pro-independence pro-unity camp win majority deputy leader catalan government sack october regional assembly unilaterally declare independence follow referendum central authorities deem illegal madrid also dissolve assembly call fresh elections spanish justice system action region leaders since hamstring pro-independence camp muddy electoral water thursday vote catalonia ex-president carles puigdemont campaign self-imposed exile brussels junqueras jail along several politicians unclear many likely elect able attend parliament separatist rally across capital barcelona recent days many supporters appear recognize force independence without spain consent long option instead many favor pressure madrid talk gain european union approval negotiate split continue unilaterally might lose would gain say carles ortega 58-year-old consultant rally sport center barcelona outskirts puigdemont address via videolink final poll election expect attract record turnout show esquerra run neck-and-neck pro-unity party ciudadanos citizens far short 68 seat need hold majority esquerra previously form coalition government puigdemont center-right party lead junts per catalunya platform together catalonia see come third vote key unionist separatist factions win regional offshoot anti-austerity party podemos support unity want referendum leader favor left-wing alliance across party back reject independence rise risk pro-independence party fall bite short need include podemos get soft push independence within institutions peter ceretti analyst economist intelligence unit say movement would rumble say press madrid long-held demand return catalonia tax revenue recognize region nation rather nationality spanish constitution many catalans worry independence drive obscure social issue could harm wealthy region position spain primary driver economic growth magnet foreign investment junqueras say elect regional president would pay heed voters oppose independence would tell everybody respect differences always resolve democratic way say catalan vote loom jail leader offer olive branch spain