Two-vote gap and suspicion of irregularities: Likud voting results in danger of cancellation
The Likud court is examining information regarding fraud, invalid vote counting, and the removal of observers during the vote on proposals by Benjamin Netanyahu and Haim Katz. The initiative allowing MKs and ministers to run in districts passed by only two votes, and a recount is expected.
The Likud party court is examining new information regarding the vote held last week at the Likud center on proposals submitted by party chairman Benjamin Netanyahu and Likud center chairman Haim Katz. A senior source at Metzudat Ze'ev stated that if the information received is significant and accurate, it could lead to the cancellation of the results or the holding of a repeat vote.
About a week ago, Likud center members approved the proposal granting the Prime Minister eight reserved spots on the party's list for the Knesset, as well as changes to the primary election bylaws. However, Katz's initiative, supported by Netanyahu, to allow serving ministers and Knesset members to run in the districts, was approved by a narrow margin of only two votes. Initially, the protocol stated a majority of five votes (1,678 in favor versus 1,673 opposed), but after the protocol reached the court, it turned out the difference was only two votes. The court is expected to order a recount regarding this clause.
Following the publication of the results, numerous petitions were received alleging irregularities, fraud, and the removal of observers from polling stations. Consequently, the president of the Likud court, former MK Michael Kleiner, appointed an expanded panel of five judges, including attorneys Akiva Nof, Yitzhak Bam, Rafi Booker, and David Elbaz, to discuss the petitions today.
Likud MK David Bitan wrote in his petition that a quick and thorough investigation into serious irregularities must be conducted. In an appeal sent via attorney Yifat Mairovich-Yafet, Bitan claimed that polling station committee workers were instructed by Likud officials not to record comments in the protocol, contrary to election bylaws. He cited examples of polling stations across the country where valid votes against the proposal were allegedly counted as invalid, while invalid votes in favor were counted as valid.
Additional petitions were submitted to the Likud court, including one from activist Dor Harlap, which included testimonies and affidavits from observers in Petah Tikva, Beersheba, and other locations.
