The centre right is set to win four towns in the local elections in Italy while the centre left is set to win two and seven are set to go to a run-off in two weeks time, according to early results in the 13 provincial capitals up for grabs.
In Ancona, where the outgoing mayor is centre-left, there looks set to be a run-off between centre-right candidate Daniele Silvetti and that of the centre-left Democratic Party and centrist Third Pole, Ida Simonella, with Silvetti a slight favourite to take the long-time leftwing fief from the left.
Brescia meanwhile is feting its first woman mayor as Laura Castelletti held onto the northern city for the centre left.
Brindisi looks set for a run-off between centre right candidate Pino Marchionna ans that of the centre left (with the 5-Star Movement, M5S, too) Roberto Fusco.
At Imperia, former centre right multiple minister and long-time local potentate Claudio Scajola, although officially a civic candidate, can be counted centre right and looks certain to clinch another term.
In Latina, a city south of Rome run by a commissioner since last October, centre-right candidate Matilde Celentano looks certain to defeat centre-left incumbent Damiano Coletta.
In Massa, centre right incumbent Francesco Persiani is ahead of the centre left's Enzo Ricci.
Pisa, too, looks set to go to a run-off with incumbent centre-right Michele Conti ahead of the centre left's Paolo Martinelli.
A run-off is possible in Siena, too, where centre-left candidate Anna Ferretti is ahead of the centre right's Nicoletta Fabio.
It's a close run race at Sondrio where the centre right's Marco Scaramellini is currently over the winning 50% mark.
Centre-left candidate Simone Del Curto is not far behind, however.
In Teramo, centre-left candidate Gianguido D'Alberto (PD and M5S) looks set to win outright in the first round.
In Terni, there looks likely to be a run--off between the centre right's Orlando Masselli, slightly ahead, and civic list candidate Stefano Bandecchi, with the PD-M5S candidate out of the running.
At Treviso, outgoing centre right mayor Mario Conte has been confirmed.
Another run-off, finally, is likely in Vicenza where centre-right incumbent Francesco Rucco is slightly behind centre-left candidate Giacomo Possamai.
Over six million Italians were called to the vote Sunday and Monday in 595 comuni in nine regions. Turnout was three points down at 59%.
photo: Imperia Mayor Claudo Scajola
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