Italians began voting today in parliamentary elections pitting media mogul and conservative premier Silvio Berlusconi against centre-left leader Romano Prodi in what has been a close race.

Italians got a break from bitter political rhetoric today, a day before general elections and at the end of a divisive race that was largely consumed by mud-slinging.

ITALIAN Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s use of a vulgar word to denigrate his adversaries and his vow to eliminate property taxes raised the heat of campaigning yesterday, just five days ahead of a general election.