Italian state broadcaster RAI reports that their exit poll shows a right-wing alliance won between 41% and 45% of the vote in the country's national election. That's enough to guarantee control of both houses of parliament.

The poll and other surveys boosted the prospect of Giorgia Meloni becoming Italy's first female prime minister. She caused controversy when she promoted a slogan used in the era of Italian dictator Benito Mussolini. She has also repeatedly criticized the European Union's refugee policy.

More than 60,000 polling stations opened at 7 a.m. on Sunday and closed at 11 p.m. Ballot counting has begun.

The rightwing alliance is led by Meloni's Brothers of Italy party. Left-leaning forces include Enrico Letta's Democratic Party and Giuseppe Conte's 5-Star Movement.

The rightwing alliance includes former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia party and former Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's League party. Berlusconi has a friendly relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, while Salvini is critical of the EU sanctions against Russia.

Analysts say EU unity on Ukraine and other issues could waver if the alliance secures the reins of government.

Preliminary results are expected as early as Monday morning.