The president represents the unity of the nation.

Looks like we will have to elect at least four or five.

The 1,007 principle electors - MPs, senators and 58 representatives of regional councils - will meet on April 18 to elect a successor to 87-year-old Italian President Giorgio Napolitano.

The major parties have each proposed a range of candidates, but none appears to have gathered enough support. To be elected, a candidate must receive two-thirds of electors' votes during the first three ballots. From the fourth round, a simple majority is enough.

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