Voters in Italy are casting ballots in parliamentary elections that could result in a rightwing alliance gaining a majority.

Voting began at more than 60,000 polling stations at 7 a.m. on Sunday, with 400 seats in the lower house and 200 in the upper house up for grabs.

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

Opinion polls suggested earlier this month that the three key parties in the rightwing alliance had a combined support rate of 45 percent. Analysts say the alliance could gain a majority of seats in both chambers.

The polls also boosted the prospect of 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.

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.

Polling will end at 11 p.m. on Sunday. Preliminary results are expected early on Monday morning.