Parliament’s presidential election: Tajani, Pittella and Stevens lead after first ballot
No candidate won the required absolute majority of valid votes cast (342) in the first round of voting in Parliament’s presidential election on Tuesday morning. Of the six candidates, Antonio Tajani (EPP, IT) did best, with 274 votes, ahead of Gianni Pittella (S&D, IT) and Helga Stevens (ECR, BE).
Outcome of the first ballot
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Antonio Tajani (EPP, IT) 274
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Gianni Pittella (S&D, IT) 183
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Helga Stevens (ECR, BE) 77
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Jean Lambert (Greens/EFA, UK) 56
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Eleonora Forenza (GUE/NGL) 50
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Laurentiu Rebega (ENF, RO) 43
Valid votes cast in the first ballot: 683
Total votes cast: 718
The ballot is secret and may last up to four rounds. Candidates may withdraw and new ones may enter the contest before the second and third ballot. The second ballot will start at 13.00.
If no candidate wins an absolute majority of valid votes cast in the first three ballots, the two best-scoring candidates in the third round will go through to a fourth round, in which the President will be elected by a simple majority.
Candidates’ presentations before the vote
The election of a new European Parliament President began with three-minute speeches by the six candidates, outlining their ideas on how to lead the chamber over the next two and half years. Guy Verhofstadt (ALDE) withdrew his candidature before the vote. MEPs then proceeded to cast their votes in the first round.
To view the video, click on the candidate’s name.
Laurentiu Rebega (ENF, RO)
Jean Lambert (Greens/EFA, UK)
Eleonora Forenza (GUE/NLG, IT)
Helga Stevens (ECR, BE)
Gianni Pittella (S&D, IT)
Antonio Tajani (EPP, IT)
Parliament’s Vice-Presidents and Quaestors will be elected on Wednesday.
Watch the election via EP Live
