Italians heading to the polls

As expected, (see posts in previous days) Italy's parliament was dissolved today, following unsuccessful efforts to form an interim government. Italians will go to the polls on April 13 and 14 for new national elections, three years ahead of schedule.

The campaign will see former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right party begin with a slight lead in the public opinion polls, facing Walter Veltroni's centre-left party as his main rival.

Since World War II, Italy has had 60 different governments, a very high number that points to the need for electoral reform.

Thanks to Marco Caliulo for his photograph of the flags hanging outside the Italian parliament building, Palazzo Montecitorio.