While the candidates have been gamely campaigning and debating one another ahead of the primary, Sunday's vote has largely been overshadowed by speculation about the political ambitions of Italy's current premier, Mario Monti, and whether ex-Premier Silvio Berlusconi will run for office for a fourth term.
Berlusconi resigned as premier last year amid personal sex scandals and legal woes, unable to convince international markets that he could balance Italy's budget and pass necessary financial reforms to save Italy from a Greek-style debt crisis.
Newspaper analysts suggested Napolitano's aim in keeping Monti out of the campaign, on a potentially unelectable centrist ticket, was to ensure he remained a viable alternative for premier if neither of Italy's main parties wins a clear majority — or to be named his successor as president.
Berlusconi resigned as premier last year amid personal sex scandals and legal woes, unable to convince international markets that he could balance Italy's budget and pass necessary financial reforms to save Italy from a Greek-style debt crisis.
Newspaper analysts suggested Napolitano's aim in keeping Monti out of the campaign, on a potentially unelectable centrist ticket, was to ensure he remained a viable alternative for premier if neither of Italy's main parties wins a clear majority — or to be named his successor as president.
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