Italy election: Parties hold final pre-poll rallies

Italy's main political parties have wrapped up campaigning ahead of Sunday's general election - each declaring that they expect to win.

Final rallies were held by the ruling Democratic Party, the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the anti-immigration Northern League.

Polls suggest ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right alliance will emerge the largest bloc in a hung parliament.

He cannot hold public office until next year due to a tax fraud conviction.

The four-time prime minister has backed European Parliament President Antonio Tajani as his choice to lead the country.

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Immigration and high youth unemployment have been dominant issues as the vote approaches, the BBC's James Reynolds reports. The atmosphere has been angry and divisive.

Many parties have made big-ticket promises - such as pension increases - that may not survive if a coalition government has to be formed.

source: www.bbc.cm