Italian President Calls Snap Elections

(06 Feb 08 - RV) Italian President Giorgio Napolitano has dissolved parliament, paving the way for snap elections, widely expected to be held on 13-14 April, that could mark a return to power of former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Prime Minister Romano Prodi resigned last month after coalition allies defected, attempts to set up an interim government failed and Berlusconi's calls for an immediate election prevailed.

Professor James Walston is head of the department of international relations at the American University of Rome. He says without electoral reform, another grand coalition is a probability: