Italy's electoral reform clears initial confidence vote hurdle

ROME, Oct 6 - Italy's lower house of parliament on Tuesday approved part of a fiercely contested electoral reform championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni which could be a factor in deciding an election due next year.• Parliament approved the first articles of the bill in two confidence votes in the lower house.• The second vote was passed with 227 votes in favour, 149 against and three abstentions. The first had passed by a similarly comfortable margin.• Final approval of the package is expected on Thursday in a secret ballot.• Meloni could resign if the bill is rejected.• It introduces a fully proportional electoral system, with a seat bonus guaranteeing a parliamentary majority to any alliance winning more than 42% of the vote.• Meloni's right-wing coalition faces an election by the end of next year.• Latest speculation points to a possible vote in May 2027 to coincide with local elections in major cities. REUTERS