Divisions in the centre-left alliance meant there was no quick victory for its official candidate Franco Marini (pictured). File photo
The Italian parliament has failed to elect a new state president in its first vote on Thursday afternoon.
Since no single candidate won a two-third majority of the votes, another round is due to take place later in the day. Two votes a day will continue through the weekend if necessary.
Divisions in the centre-left alliance meant there was no quick victory for its official candidate Franco Marini.
Marini garnered 520 votes, well below the required two thirds majority or 672 of the 1007 members of both houses of parliament and regional representatives.
The next head of state, who will succeed President Giorgio Napolitano, will become the key figure in the effort to resolve the political impasse caused by inconclusive elections in February the produced a hung parliament.