Napolitano elected Italy president, according to early count
The Italian Parliament today elected the centre-left candidate – an 80-year-old former Communist – as the country’s next president, paving the way for a Romano Prodi government, an unofficial count indicated.
Giorgio Napolitano, a widely respected senator-for-life, was elected during the fourth round of voting by some 1,000 electors – members from the two houses of parliament and regional representatives.
Unofficial tallies showed he had garnered more than the minimum 505 votes necessary for victory.
Long applause erupted in Parliament after the necessary tally was reached.
Voting began on Monday, but no candidate won the two-thirds of votes necessary for victory in the first three rounds of balloting.
Premier Silvio Berlusconi’s conservative bloc had been reluctant to back Napolitano.
Only a simple majority was required in today’s fourth round of voting.
