Overview

• Polling stations are open Sunday 7:00–23:00 and Monday 7:00–15:00 for 1,888,368 eligible voters across 2,406 sections, with counting set to begin Monday at 15:00.
• Noon turnout stands at 7.73%, roughly in line with the 7.43% recorded at the same time in 2021, reinforcing concerns that final participation could slip below 40%.
• The main race pits incumbent Roberto Occhiuto (centre-right: Forza Italia, Fratelli d’Italia, Lega, allied lists) against Pasquale Tridico (centre-left/M5S with PD, M5S, AVS, Italia Viva), with Francesco Toscano (Democrazia Sovrana e Popolare) as a third candidate.
• The vote was brought forward after Occhiuto resigned in July following news he is under investigation by the Catanzaro prosecutor’s office for corruption, and he is seeking a renewed mandate from voters.
• National leaders campaigned heavily as healthcare, jobs and the contentious Strait of Messina bridge project dominated debates, and regional rules bar split-ticket voting while allowing up to two gender-balanced preferences.