Voting has now closed in Italy, in one of the most uncertain elections in living memory.
Correspondents say it is hard to say who will come out on top.
Early exit polls suggest a hung parliament is likely, and that ex-PM Silvio Berlusconi's centre-right coalition is set to win the most seats.
The anti-establishment 5-Star Movement is in second place according to the exit polls, and looks likely to be the largest single party.
The centre-right bloc includes Mr Berlusconi's Forza Italia (Go Italy!) party, the eurosceptic League, and Brothers of Italy. Initial projections suggest it will not get the absolute majority required to govern.
Mr Berlusconi, 81, cannot himself hold public office until next year due to a tax fraud conviction.
The four-time prime minister - who has allied himself with the anti-immigrant League party - has backed European Parliament President Antonio Tajani as his choice to lead the country.
Italy has seen a divisive election campaign dominated by concerns over immigration and the economy.
Officials at 19:00 (18:00 GMT) said that turnout stood at more than 58%, with several hours of voting still to go.
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