News of Italy's undecided parliament elections sent shivers through the financial world Tuesday on fears of a resurgent euro zone debt crisis.<br/> <br />As Asia woke up to the news, the Nikkei, the Kospi and the Taiex all opened down on news of the political gridlock in Italy.<br/> <br />The election was supposed to put into place a government strong enough to implement effective reforms.<br/> <br />But neither the centre-left nor the centre-right parties have enough votes to claim a clear victory.<br/> <br />Complicating matters further is the comedian-turned-politician whose "5-Star Movement" gained as many votes in the lower house as the centre-left party.<br/> <br />A long recession and growing disillusion with mainstream politicians saw more than half of Italian voters back parties that reject austerity policies pursued by the current Prime Minister Mario Monti.<br/> <br />That sentiment was reflected on the streets of Rome.<br/> <br />It would have been better to not have the elections at all, this person said.<br/> <br />Confusion, just confusion, said another.<br/> <br />Unless party members can agree to combine forces, a new vote would have to be called.
