Greek lawmakers were unsuccessful in electing a new president during the initial round of voting on Saturday in Athens.
To secure the position, one of the candidates put forward by political parties needed a majority of 200 votes in the 300-seat parliament; a role largely symbolic in nature.
A second round of voting is scheduled for Jan. 31, yet expectations suggest it will also yield no clear winner.
The threshold for victory decreases to 180 votes after two rounds, and ultimately to 151 votes. A simple majority of present members is sufficient in the final voting round.
The center-right government, in control of 156 seats, has nominated a former parliament speaker for the presidential post.