Earlier in the day, Mr. Bondi floated a proposal that some political experts believe is the real force behind Mr. Berlusconi's reluctance to acknowledge the results. He suggested that Mr. Berlusconi be made the president -- an appointment by Parliament that would keep him in politics, give him great prestige and protect him from any attack by a new government on his vast holdings in media, publishing and sports.

Mr. Berlusconi's stance seemed in character for a risk taker who built Italy's largest fortune and who has often been accused of ignoring the rules along the way. But it is unclear whether his continuing resistance to judicially certified election results will be seen as an admirable fighting spirit or a dangerous toying with Italian democracy.

"It's a blatant attempt to push the other side to come to an accord," said Pietro Scoppola, professor emeritus of contemporary history at La Sapienza University in Rome. "This does nothing other than damage to the country, in terms of image, and it clearly shows that the right that's been in power for the last five years is not up to a European level."

Political experts give little credence to the idea that Mr. Prodi or his center-left partners could accept Mr. Berlusconi as president. The position's duties include signing laws and forming and dissolving Parliament over a seven-year term.

Yet Mr. Berlusconi's continued challenge to the elections' validity, along with his threats to make Mr. Prodi's life in office short and difficult, may give him added sway over who actually gets the position.