(ANSA) - Rome, September 18 - Lower House Deputy Speaker
Luigi Di Maio looks set to become the premier candidate for the
anti-establishment 5-Star Movement (M5S) after a deadline passed
for candidates on Monday without anyone else publicly saying
they would stand.
Italy is set to have a general election early next year and
the M5S are the top party in many polls.
Another high-profile M5S member seen as a possible premier
candidate, Alessandro Di Battista, announced Monday that he
would not stand.
"I'll will explain my reasons (for not standing) at a speech
in Rimini," Di Battista said on his Facebook page.
Di Maio unopposed for M5S PM candidacy
No rivals as deadline elapses