In the first three rounds, the winner must obtain at least three-fifths of the votes, or 84 legislators. The ruling Socialists – with 74 of 140 seats in parliament – so far lack the votes to push through a candidate.

However, in the final two rounds, only a majority of 71 lawmakers is needed.

Although no votes were cast in the first three rounds on three consecutive Mondays, Parliament’s Legal Affairs Committee said it officially considers votes to have taken place.

The next attempt is scheduled for next Monday. Socialists are expected to nominate and vote on a candidate, although they did not specify who that would be. Candidates are nominated by a group of at least 20 legislators.

Meta, in office since July 2017, was once a member of the Socialist Party before founding his smaller Socialist Movement for Left Integration. As president, he regularly clashed with the government and lacked its support for a second term.

The five-year presidency has a largely ceremonial role and should stand above partisan divisions. He has some authority over the judiciary and the armed forces and is limited to two terms.