Prodi Claims Victory in Italy Poll

Romano Prodi's centre-left coalition today claimed victory in the lower house of Italy's parliament, following a dramatic general election.

Provisional official results showed that Mr Prodi's coalition won the lower house vote with 49.8% compared to 49.7% for Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right coalition.

The winning coalition is automatically awarded 55% of the seats, according to a new electoral law.

"We have won, and now we have to start working to implement our program and unify the country," Mr Prodi said at a rally in Rome.

But the claim was immediately contested by Mr Berlusconi's camp.

The sitting prime minister's spokesman, Paolo Bonaiuti, told reporters that the centre-right coalition would call for a "scrupulous" check of election ballots.

The election has been balanced on a knife-edge with exit polls showing at times both Mr Berlusconi and Mr Prodi heading for victory.

Final projections showed the centre-right coalition holding a one-seat lead in the senate.

Since both chambers have equal powers, a split control of parliament could deadlock legislation and force the country back to the polls.