A hung parliament and lengthy negotiations are the most likely immediate outcome of Italy's national elections held on Sunday, as no party is expected to gain a majority to form a government.
Polls have now closed and exit polls show a center-right coalition, led by former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, gaining the most seats in parliament.
The anti-establishment Five Star Movement is currently in second place, followed by the ruling center-left Democratic Party.
Exit polls have been inaccurate in the past and a new system has only added to the unpredictability of this year's election.
The final results are expected to be released by late Monday, Korea time.