The Greek coalition government that holds 155 seats did not do its magic during the first round of presidential elections to elect former European commissioner Stavros Dimas on Wednesday night. It gathered 160 votes, 40 short of an outright win for the first and second round on December 23, and 20 short of a win for the third decisive round on December 29.

“There are another two rounds ahead of us,” said conservative Prime Minister Antonis Samaras when leaving Parliament after the vote. “I hope that a (new) president will be elected. The conditions are difficult for the country and I am certain that deputies are aware that the country must not enter troubled times.”

Wednesday’s first round results signal that it will be hard for the government to secure the minimum 180 votes required for the third round. At best, there may be more “yes” votes from independent MPs from the center right and there could be a bid to approach deputies of the Democratic Left (DIMAR) and Independent Greeks (ANEL).

Both Education Minister Andreas Loverdos and former MP Dora Bakoyannis have asked for political initiatives to be taken by Mr. Samaras and socialist PASOK Deputy Prime Minister Evangelos Venizelos. “It is time for political decisions. There needs to be overriding logic so that the interest of the country can prevail,” said Ms. Bakoyannis. “Now is the time for political initiatives that can be taken to create a climate to convince deputies to vote. Mr. Samaras and Mr. Venizelos still have time to take initiatives.”

If the government fails to elect a new president, then Parliament will dissolve and there will be early elections in January.

Sources close to Mr. Samaras state that there will be early elections on January 25 regardless of the outcome of the presidential election.