Italy’s parliament and regional representatives will start voting for the new head of state on January 24, the president of the country’s lower house announced Tuesday.
“I have convened the Parliament in a common session for the election of the President of the Republic on January 24 at 3 p.m.,” Roberto Fico said in a statement, posted to Facebook.
A total of 1,009 electors, from the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies and including 58 regional representatives, will cast secret ballots in a series of voting rounds. In the first three rounds of voting, a two-thirds majority is required to elect the president. From the fourth round on, only an absolute majority is required.
Current Prime Minister Mario Draghi is said to be the favored candidate for the position. Other potential contenders are former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, former lower house speaker Pierferdinando Casini, former Prime Minister Giuliano Amato and the current Justice Minister Marta Cartabia.
The new president will replace incumbent Sergio Mattarella for a 7-year mandate and will be in charge of officially appointing the prime minister, representing national unity and guaranteeing compliance with the Italian constitution.
