Berlusconi facing test in elections

Voters are casting ballots today in Italy’s regional elections, which are being seen as an important test of popularity for prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

The conservative leader campaigned relentlessly for the Sunday-Monday ballot, urging his supporters to vote and avert the risk of low turnout. He has seen his popularity eroded amid rising unemployment, a corruption scandal and an investigation into his alleged attempts to influence TV coverage.