Italy municipal runoffs see lower turnout; 13.55% by noon

Voter turnout for municipal runoffs across 12 Italian regions stood at 13.55% by noon on Sunday, marking a slight decrease compared to the 15.52% recorded during the first round of voting. Polling stations are open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. today and will reopen tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The runoffs are taking place in 41 municipalities with populations exceeding 15,000, including six provincial capitals: Arezzo, Chieti, Lecco, Agrigento, Trani, and Macerata. Additionally, 148 municipalities in Sardinia are holding their first round of voting.

These runoffs will test candidates' abilities to broaden their appeal beyond traditional coalitions, attracting support from civic lists and centrist voters. In Vigevano, the outcome could hinge on voters from the "vannacciani" movement, which garnered over 14% in the first round, potentially tipping the balance between the two main contenders.

Specific races highlight the electoral dynamics. In Agrigento, the runoff is between Michele Sodano (center-left) and Dino Alonge (center-right coalition). The third-place finisher, Luigi Gentile, who received 14% of the vote, has ruled out alliances, leaving his voters' intentions unclear. In Arezzo, the contest is between Marcello Comanducci (center-right) and Vincenzo Ceccarelli (center-left), with the centrist vote being a key unknown. Lecco sees an incumbent center-left mayor facing a center-right challenger who is currently leading.