In Italy they are going to the polls, the results of which will be watched closely by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and his supporters. The elections are two-fold: at local level, in cities and provinces, while the Italians are also voting on a referendum to change how their electoral system is run. People in 102 cities and 22 regions including one of the biggest, Milan, are eligible to cast their votes with the results expected late on Monday.

Those results will be analysed closely and seen as a barometer for the Prime Minister and the right’s support in the light of demonstrations against Berlusconi and mounting anger over his actions and allegations about his private life. He has faced more revelations which he dismissed as “rubbish” when national newspapers claimed female escorts were paid to attend parties at his homes. His lawyer only compounded matters when he denied the allegations but said even if true Berlusconi would not have committed any crime.More about: Italy, Silvio Berlusconi

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