Academics and Public Figures Demand Protection for Arab Citizens' Voting Rights
Hundreds of academics and public figures, both Jewish and Arab, issued a statement on Thursday evening titled "The Right to Vote and Run is a Right for All of Us." They called for the protection of political participation for Arab citizens and the guarantee of free and equal exercise of electoral rights for all citizens.
The signatories emphasized that safeguarding political participation applies equally to Arab and Jewish citizens, stressing that free elections are a fundamental condition for a democratic system, consistent with Israeli law and international standards. The statement declared, "We, citizens of the State of Israel, with diverse positions on public issues, call for the protection of the right of all citizens, Arab and Jewish, to free and equal political participation in Knesset elections."
The statement highlighted the authorities' special responsibility in light of what it described as increasing threats targeting Arab citizens' participation in elections, urging necessary measures to ensure this right is exercised freely and equally. The signatories also called on the Israeli public to counter attempts to delegitimise representatives of the Arab community and to defend their right to freedom of expression. They affirmed that electoral lists whose platforms advocate for full civil and national equality, including the vision of Israel as a state for all its citizens committed to democratic principles, are eligible to run for Knesset elections.
Furthermore, the statement asserted the right of lists and candidates to express, through legal means, support for Palestinians in their struggle for independence and the end of the Israeli occupation of territories seized in 1967. The signatories urged relevant authorities, including the Central Elections Committee, to take steps to prevent incitement to racism and violence against the Arab community during the election campaign and to ensure Arab citizens can vote freely. They stressed the need for proactive measures against any attempts to assault or harass voters near polling stations, thereby guaranteeing the integrity of the electoral process.
The statement concluded by emphasizing that ensuring election integrity and equal opportunity is a shared interest for all Israeli citizens, and that protecting free and equal political participation encompasses all societal components. This initiative is part of a signature campaign by hundreds of academics and public figures aimed at safeguarding the right to vote, run for office, and participate politically in Knesset elections, while affirming equality, freedom of expression, and the safety of the electoral process.
