BBC: Veteran centre-right leader Silvio Berlusconi, 71, has a narrow lead in Italy's general election, exit polls suggest.
Mr Berlusconi, a billionaire, is bidding for a third term in office. His main rival is centre-left leader Walter Veltroni, formerly Rome mayor.
Exit polls showed Mr Berlusconi's bloc about 2% ahead for both houses.
The election was held three years ahead of schedule, following the collapse of Romano Prodi's centre-left coalition.
Correspondents caution that it is too early to predict a winner with any certainty.
The new government will be Italy's 62nd since World War II.
Tricky coalition talks are expected in the coming days. The next government faces the task of reviving Italy's ailing economy. Zero growth is forecast for the coming year. [Source: Exit Polls Place Berlusconi Ahead] | April 14, 2008
BBC UPDATE:
Berlusconi Wins Election in Italy >>>
NZZ Online:
Berlusconi gewinnt die Parlamentswahlen: In Italien zeichnen sich klare Mehrheitsverhältnisse ab >>>
LE FIGARO:
Italie : Berlusconi proclame sa victoire >>>
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback - UK)
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Hardback - UK)
