Moldova's parliament has failed to approve a new government because not enough lawmakers turned up for the vote, further extending the political deadlock in the former Soviet republic.
Only 47 lawmakers were present to vote on January 4, three short of the minimum required.
Lawmakers were expected to vote on Prime Minister-elect Ion Sturza, a businessman and former prime minister with a pro-European outlook.
President Nicolae Timofti will nominate another candidate to head the government.
Parliament must approve a candidate by January 29.
If that fails, parliament will be dissolved and new elections will be held.
Moldova has been mired in political instability since the disappearance of up to $1.5 billion from three banks before the parliamentary elections in 2014.
The country had five prime ministers in 2014.
Parliament dismissed the previous government over allegations of corruption in October.
