by In Trieste
The Italian parliament will begin the process of voting for a new president of Italy on 24 January, 2022 to replace Sergio Mattarella whose seven-year term of office ends on 3 February.
The main contenders for the role are Italy’s current prime minister Mario Draghi, 74, seen as the favorite, and four-time former premier Silvio Berlusconi, 85, who has support from the center-right parties.
There are still no official candidates, and lawmakers can vote for literally anyone they like, provided they are an Italian citizen aged 50 or over.
The president of Italy is elected by both houses of parliament in joint session plus three representatives from each region (apart from Valle d’Aosta which only has one).
The voting is held in secret and a two thirds majority is needed on the first three ballots and then after that by an absolute majority.
