There have been numerous Italian regions that, although had elected left-leaning administrations, have voted for Berlusconi this time. In Italy, the right is still very popular. And yet, with its usual dictatorial method rooted in its DNA, the Left claims victory only because of the votes of the Italian expatriates!

In Italy, the Italians voted a half for the right and another half for the left, with a slim majority for the right. The right has won the Senate and almost won the Upper House. The Left won the Upper House only by 0,7 votes of difference!

The reality on the ground in Italy is that the Left lost votes and popularity. It owes its ‘victory’ to the votes of the Italian expatriates.

This is what I call a coup d’etat. One cannot rule only for being elected by the voters living around. One has to be elected by those living in the country. And this is not the case in Italy.

I very much doubt there will be stability. I doubt that the left will be able to rule even just for 1 year. I doubt they will be able to pass laws ( and let’s hope this is the case! ).

But,it’s not over. The Right now is calling for a recount of the votes at the Upper House. It will be taking the case to the Supreme Court, which will have to re-count the votes for the Upper House. There are rumors that some 500 thousand ballotts have ‘misteriously’ disappeared.

Now, the last word lies on the Supreme Court.

Just like Florida in 2000. But this is the right thing to do. The Left has not been elected by the Italians in Italy.

UPDATE: Our Italian troops in Iraq voted for Berlusconi.

UPDATE: From the Associated Press: Slim Margin Might Mean Paralysis in Italy . Of course, had Italy kept the previous electoral law instead of the proportional one, Berlusconi would have won even among foreign expats.

UPDATE: I wanted to make clear to some commenters, that I don’t blame the Italian expatriates. Soon I’ll be one of them and of course I’ll be willing to vote for my country’s future. I meant that I find it absurd that Mr. Prodi claims victory without admitting that he has not won the majority of the votes of the Italians in Italy. I wish the people to remember that this country is divided in two: one half chosen Berlusconi and another half Prodi. It’s noteworthy to remember that most of the regions whose leftist administrations took power just one year ago, this time voted for Berlusconi and his party is now again the first Italian political party.

I would put the blame on the proportional electoral law.

UPDATE: Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announced that the votes at the Chamber of Deputies will be recounted. In case the Supreme Court confirms the slim majority for Mr. Prodi, Berlusconi proposed a short-term national unity government.

Millions of Italians are very confused. It’s the first time Italy’s population is literally divided in two.