As a second-level, indirect election, only Members of Parliament and regional deputies were entitled to vote.

According with the Italian Constitution, the election must be held in the form of secret ballot, with the Senators, the Deputies and 58 regional representatives allowed to cast their votes.

The election is held in the Palazzo Montecitorio, home of the Chamber of Deputies, with the capacity of the building being expanded for the purpose.

The election is conducted by the President of the Chamber of Deputies, who has the authority to proceed to the public counting of the votes.

Prime Minister Massimo D'Alema initially proposed Carlo Azeglio Ciampi as government's official candidate, in an attempt to reach an agreement with the House of Freedoms, whose votes would have been necessary to have a successful election at the first ballot.