Italian vote could return Berlusconi to power

ROME, Italy (CNN) - Italians began voting Sunday in snap general elections that could bring the return of a familiar face in Italian politics: former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

Balloting was set to continue through Monday to determine who will lead Italy's 63rd government since the end of World War II.

The charismatic billionaire, representing the center right, is running against former Rome Mayor Walter Veltroni of the center left. They are the main contenders among 32 candidates vying to replace Romano Prodi, who stepped down as prime minister in January.

Though Berlusconi and Veltroni are on opposite sides of the political ring, they espouse such similar policies that Newsweek magazine this month dubbed them "Veltrusconi" and published an eerie photo montage combining their faces.