Italy's Election Ends in Stalemate

Left-leaning bloc takes the lower house, but does not take senate

Italy's parliamentary elections have ended in stalemate and the possibility of a hung parliament.

With all domestic votes counted, Pier Luigi Bersani's centre-left bloc won the lower house vote but has failed to secure a majority in the Senate.

News of the results led to a sharp fall on Italian financial markets.

Mr Berlusconi conceded the lower house vote but control of both houses is needed to govern. A protest movement led by comedian Beppe Grillo won 25%.