The left sees the system as undemocratic, denying representation to candidates outside the two main coalitions.

The first round of the presidential election was a shock for the two main coalitions.

With parliamentary elections 11 months away, the main conservative coalition currently looks likely to win a big victory.

There were four main coalitions in the 1996 elections.

Italy has historically had many political parties, although they have usually grouped themselves into two main coalitions of the political left and right.

Because of its strong showing in Baghdad and the south, the main Shiite coalition is on track to win at least 120 parliamentary seats.

Recently left main Shiite coalition to run on his own.

The latter formed a government with representatives from the three main political coalitions.

Protesters said that the elections were rigged in favor of the main religious Shiite coalition.

The slate trailed only the main Shiite coalition of parties.