ROME (Reuters) – Lawmakers who have tested positive for COVID-19 could be allowed to vote for Italy’s next president in a parliamentary parking lot, the lower house speaker’s office said on Thursday, provided the government gives them permission a special permit to leave their homes.

More than 1000 MPs and regional delegates will start voting https://www.Reuters.com/world/europe/italian-parties-look-solve-presidential-conundrum-avoid-political-chaos-2022-01-20 on the 24th for the successor of President Sergio Mattarella.

The proposal to use the parking lot was sketched out after a meeting between lower house speaker Roberto Fico and lower house party leaders, who demanded that everyone have the right to vote.

Around 35 lawmakers have currently tested positive for the virus or are in isolation – parliamentary sources told Reuters – and it could impact the majority needed to choose a new head of state.

It is now up to the government to formally approve a temporary waiver of isolation rules for those who want to vote, the president’s office said.

A two-thirds majority is required https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/italian-presidential-elections-shrouded-parliamentary-secrecy-2022-01-13 to guarantee an election in one of the first three rounds of ballot. Then a simple majority is required.

(Reporting by Angelo Amante; Editing by Frances Kerry)