Napolitano, 87, achieved the 504 votes needed to win a simple majority of the 1,007 total in parliament and from regional electors.

　　The result came at the sixth round of voting after five rounds ended inconclusively.

　　Napolitano announced his decision to continue office after meeting with main political leaders earlier on Saturday. He said he could not refuse an "assumption of responsibility towards the nation."

　　His second mandate was seen by parties as an effective solution to the deadlock in the formation of a new government after the Feb. 24-25 national elections produced a hung parliament.

　　Italian president, whose powers include naming prime minister and dissolving parliament, can be re-elected but this had never happened in the country's history.