Contested ballot count expected to confirm Prodi's victory

Italian magistrates were today reviewing the last of a few thousand contested ballots in parliamentary elections held earlier this month, with the results widely expected to confirm the slim victory of centre-left leader Romano Prodi over Premier Silvio Berlusconi.

There was no clear indication when the results from the Court of Cassation – a top Italian court that must certify the results – would be announced. But Italian news reports and court officials suggested it might be later today.