Party leaders vote in Italy local elections

Italians have until mid-afteron on Monday to cast ir votes in local elections and in a referendum that would significantly cut number of members of parliament.

Voters were required to wear masks and maintain social distancing as y cast ballots in regional contests originally scheduled for spring but delayed due to pandemic.

Luigi Di Maio, Foreign Minister and former leader of Five Star Movement got cheers of approval and chants of "Luigi" as he went to vote in his home town of Pomiglia D'Arco.

5-Stars, which have most members of any party in lower house after 2018 election, has made reforming Italy’s often moribund institutions a central political plank.

It says move, which would cut lower house lawmakers from 630 to 400 and those in Senate from 315 to 200,  will save 500 million euros (580 million US dollars) each five-year legislative period.

Five Star Movement is in a convenient if uncomfortable coalition with Italy Democratic Party headed by Nicola Zingaretti, who cast his ballot in Rome on Sunday.

Five- Star and Democratic Party coalition have backed government of Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte.

Democratic Party has also supported "Yes" vote in referendum.

Most parties back constitutional reform, which has already been passed by parliament but without two-thirds majority that would have avoided a referendum.

Still, many top political voices say y are voting ‘’'' as move would reduce regional representation.

Regional leadership is also being decided in seven regions of country.

toughest contest is expected in Tuscany, where right-wing League party leader, Matteo Salvini, is betting his candidate can oust Democratic Party from left-wing stronghold.

Veneto Goverr Luca Zaia of League party is expected to win his third mandate handily after helping Veneto avoid worst of pandemic through targeted testing early on and protocols that took pressure off intensive care wards.

or races are considered a test of strength of right-wing opposition, led by Salvini.

Mayoral races also were being held in 1,000 towns and cities.

Polls will close at 3 p.m. (1300 GMT) on Monday and results of votes expected by late afteron.