Italian lawmakers gather to vote on a new president whose first job will be to seek the formation of a new government after inconclusive elections, in Rome Thursday, April 18, 2013. Political parties sparred over suitable candidates for the post being vacated by Giorgio Napolitano ahead of the Thursday vote, reflecting divisions that they have been unable to overcome in the more than 50 days since the Feb. 24-25 elections. Napolitano's term expires next month. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino) (The Associated Press)
ROME – Italy's Parliament has opened a third round of voting for the nation's president after two inconclusive votes a day earlier.
In a bid to change the dynamic during Friday's voting, the center-left leader proposed former Premier Romano Prodi for the post. However, Silvio Berlusconi's center-right has already signaled its opposition to the man who twice beat Berlusconi in national elections.
A candidate reportedly backed by both the left and right was not elected Thursday.
The Italian president has no political role, but retains powers to dissolve Parliament, call new elections and tap a candidate to form a new government — thus playing a critical role in resolving Italy's political crisis. Italy is still without a government two months after inconclusive February elections.
President Giorgio Napolitano's 7-year term expires next month.
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