For the fifth time, Italy's Parliament  failed to elect a new head of state on Friday as divisions in the house remain glaring.

Since Monday, Parliament has been voting without success to elect a successor to outgoing President Sergio Mattarella.

Another round of voting was scheduled to begin at 1600 GMT and parliament will continue to hold two votes per day until someone is finally elected.

Italy's head of state, with a seven-year mandate, represents national unity and is charged with mediating the country's frequent political squabbling in its coalition governments.

Parties across the spectrum often come together to elect a candidate to fill the position, one who is expected to be above the partisan politics.

(With input from agencies)