The president of the Republic is elected by Parliament in a joint session of the
Chamber of Deputies and the
Senate of the Republic. In addition, the 20
regions of Italy appoint 58 representatives as special electors. Three representatives come from each region, except for the small
Aosta Valley, which appoints one, so as to guarantee representation for all localities and minorities. According to the
Constitution of Italy, the election must be held in the form of secret ballot, with all senators, all deputies, and the 58 regional representatives all voting. A
two-thirds vote is required to elect on any of the first three rounds of balloting and after that a majority suffices. The election is presided over by the
president of the Chamber of Deputies, who calls for the public counting of the votes. The vote is held in the
Montecitorio Palace, home of the
Chamber of Deputies, which is expanded and re-configured for the event. The president assumes office after having taken an oath before the
Italian Parliament and delivering a presidential address. Presidents are elected to serve a seven-year term.
Giorgio Napolitano was the first president to be elected to a second term in 2013, followed by
Sergio Mattarella in 2022. == Presidents of the Italian Republic (1948–present) ==