The Albanian Parliament on Monday failed to elect a new president after no candidates were nominated for a third round of voting, APA reports citing ABC News.
The governing left-wing Socialist Party and the opposition failed to reach a compromise on a candidate to replace President Ilir Meta, and no independent candidate was nominated.
In the first three rounds, the winner must secure at least three-fifths of the vote, or 84 lawmakers. The ruling Socialists — with 74 out of 140 seats in Parliament — have so far lacked the votes to get a candidate through.
However, in the last two rounds, only a majority of 71 lawmakers is needed.
Though no votes were actually cast in the first three rounds on three consecutive Mondays, the parliament’s legal commission said it formally considered votes to have taken place.
The next attempt is scheduled for next Monday. The Socialists are expected to propose and vote on a candidate, though they have not said who that would be. Candidates are proposed by a group of at least 20 lawmakers.