BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Xinhuanet) -- In Italy, organizers are putting the finishing touches to polling stations ahead of elections on Sunday and Monday. The polls come amid corruption scandals, rising populist sentiment and financial hardship.

More than 61,000 polling stations have been set up across the country. Just over 47 million people are expected to cast their ballot. An average of the most recent polls showed centre-left leader, Pier Luigi Bersani, with a four point lead on 34 percent of the vote. But analysts are uncertain whether he will be able to form a stable majority that can push through the economic reforms Italy needs to exit recession. Bersani is now thought to be just a few points ahead of centre-right leader and controversial former Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi. The success of Comedian-turned-politician, Beppe Grillo, has added to the uncertainty.

Huge crowds have turned out to hear him speak out against corruption and austerity, underlining the extent of popular rage against traditional parties. The ballot is seen as a test of the country’s will to stay on the course for painful economic reforms.

(Source: CNTV.cn)