Italian court modifies election law, could open way for 2017 vote

Record ID: 165663

  • Title: Italian court modifies election law, could open way for 2017 vote
  • Date: 25th January 2017
  • Summary: ROME, ITALY (JANUARY 25, 2017) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF TRAFFIC IN CENTRAL ROME
  • Embargoed: 8th February 2017 16:11
  • Keywords: Italy elections law court
  • Location: ROME, ITALY
  • City: ROME, ITALY
  • Country: Italy
  • Topics: Government/Politics,Elections/Voting
  • Reuters ID: LVA00360KYE6F
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Italy's constitutional court said on Wednesday (January 25) that part of a contested electoral law was invalid, but left much of the system intact in a ruling that could open the way for early elections in 2017.
    In a written verdict, the court rejected the idea that national elections could be held over two rounds, but agreed that any party which took at least 40 percent of the vote straight out should win an automatic parliamentary majority.
    The court said the amended law could now be used immediately if elections were called.
    A vote is not scheduled until early 2018 but former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, who still heads the ruling Democratic Party, has said he wants a ballot held as soon as possible.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
  • Copyright Notice: (c) Copyright Thomson Reuters 2017. Open For Restrictions - http://about.reuters.com/fulllegal.asp
  • Usage Terms/Restrictions: None
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