Italy’s Chamber of Deputies approved the government’s third and final confidence vote Wednesday on an electoral reform bill, paving the way for a final secret ballot Thursday, according to public broadcaster Rai.
Lawmakers backed the confidence motion on Article 3 by a 228-144 vote, with three abstentions. The provision redraws several electoral constituencies in South Tyrol, including Merano, Bressanone and Bolzano.
The lower house approved confidence motions Tuesday on Articles 1 and 2, covering the electoral systems for the Chamber of Deputies and Senate.
Lawmakers also approved Article 8 on Wednesday in a 214-0 vote, while opposition parties abstained. The provision extends voting away from one’s place of residence to family caregivers. The government did not attach a confidence motion to that article.
The reform, which has passed the Senate and returned to the lower house following amendments, has drawn strong criticism from opposition parties.
Its provisions include voter preferences alongside fixed lead candidates on party lists, as well as changes to electoral rules.
Women’s associations in Modena have appealed to President Sergio Mattarella to return the legislation to parliament if he identifies constitutional concerns, arguing that its candidate selection rules undermine equal access to elected office.
A network opposing the reform also said it was preparing legal challenges to file once the law takes effect, seeking a referral to the Constitutional Court.
The parliamentary votes come amid debate about possible early elections in May. Deputy Prime Minister and Forza Italia leader Antonio Tajani said Tuesday that his party favored completing the parliamentary term.