Candidates in Italy’s general election are completing their final day of campaigning ahead of two days of voting, beginning on Sunday.
The election is being closely watched in the eurozone, with the Italian government’s future commitment to austerity measures under scrutiny.
Centre-left candidate Pier Luigi Bersani is currently leading the polls.
Coalitions led by current Prime Minister Mario Monti and ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi are also running.
The polls suggest there will also be a strong turnout for Beppo Grillo, a popular comedian who has campaigned against the political establishment.
The election is taking place amid a deep recession and austerity measures that have caused resentment among Italians.
It is being held two months early, after Mr Berlusconi’s party withdrew its support for Mr Monti’s technocratic government.
Mr Monti has introduced cuts to public services in an effort to reduce national borrowing and maintain the confidence of financial markets.
Eurozone worries
Mr Bersani, a former Communist, has pledged to continue with Mr Monti’s reforms, but suggests current European policy needs to do more to promote growth and jobs.
However, recent weeks have seen a narrowing of his lead over the centre-right coalition of Mr Berlusconi, who is critical of austerity measures.
The election is being closely watched by economists, who are worried about the effect Italy’s future policies may have on the eurozone economy.
London-based analysts Capital Economics said an unclear outcome to the election was its biggest concern.
“A hung parliament might plunge Italy and the eurozone back into crisis rather sooner,” it said.
