Ra'am holds primaries for the first time since separating from the Shura Council: "We are running alone"

For the first time since separating from the Shura Council and the Islamic Movement as its primary decision-making mechanism, Ra'am will hold internal primaries on August 22 ahead of the Knesset elections. This move marks a significant shift in the party's structure, as candidates will be chosen through an internal process by its members for the first time.

Ra'am chairman MK Mansour Abbas explained in an interview with Ynet that while this is not the party's first primary, it represents a major change in organizational independence. "I have participated in several primary campaigns in the past," Abbas said. "The novelty is that this is happening after Ra'am separated from the Shura Council. The party is building its own institutions and decision-making processes today."

A central question in Arab politics remains whether there will be a return to a Joint Arab List or if parties will run separately. Abbas clarified that a joint list for all four parties is currently off the table. "It is not on the agenda. There is talk about a potential list including Hadash, Ta'al, and Balad, but Ra'am will run alone," he stated.

Abbas believes that running in separate lists can be electorally successful if there are understandings between the factions and a balanced campaign. He recalled that in previous elections, the split did not prevent significant achievements: "Three lists ran, two passed the threshold, and together they brought 10 mandates. Their combined electoral strength was about 13–14 mandates. The issue is not just the number of lists, but how the process is managed."

Ra'am recognizes that increasing voter turnout in Arab society is a major challenge. "We have always said that people must go out and vote, but the second question is who they vote for. The act of voting is important, but the choice is no less significant," Abbas said.

Geographical balance and representation

Abbas explained that a core principle for Ra'am in building its list is maintaining geographical balance. "Geographical distribution is a basic component for us," Abbas said. "Arab society is composed of different regions, and we want the list to reflect everyone: the Galilee, the Triangle, and the Negev."

Under the model presented by Abbas, the choice of the list chairman will be open to all, while other spots will maintain regional balance. "If the chairman is from the Galilee, the second place will be from the Triangle and the third from the Negev. If the chairman is from the Negev, the order will change accordingly," he noted. Additionally, the fourth spot on the list will be reserved for women.

Abbas presents Ra'am as a party seeking to connect the different regions of Arab society rather than focusing on a single area. "Ra'am's strength is its presence in all regions," the chairman said. "Our support comes from the Galilee, the Triangle, and the Negev. Our list must reflect this structure." Ahead of the primaries, Abbas aims to convey a message of change: "We want a party based on participation, choice, and public responsibility."