Early Italian Poll Results Show A Defeat For Berlusconi

Romano Prodi has claimed victory in the Italian election (file photo) (AFP) April 11, 2006 -- After several hours in which the Italian general election was too close to call, it appears that the coalition led by Romano Prodi won a close victory over Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

After more than 12 hours of counting, Prodi's center-left coalition looks set to win by a very small margin in the lower house of parliament

In the upper house of parliament, Berlusconi's center-right coalition has a one-seat lead. The results for six seats elected by Italians abroad are still being counted.

Neither side would be able to govern without a majority in both chambers.

(dpa, Reuters, AP)