Joint List Vows Wider Election Participation After Candidate Disqualification

The Joint List issued a statement on Wednesday responding to Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit's announcement of a majority favoring the disqualification of Sami Abu Shehadeh, head of the National Democratic Assembly and third candidate on the Joint List. The list stated that the Supreme Court, by indicating a majority for disqualification and suggesting Abu Shehadeh withdraw his candidacy to avoid a written ruling, has effectively decided his fate. The Joint List characterized this as an attempt to prevent an Arab political leader from running and to infringe upon the public's right to choose their representatives. They asserted that the court's stance is a de facto disqualification, yielding to a campaign of incitement and political persecution led by the "fascist right" and joined by elements of the "Zionist opposition."

The Joint List argued there is no legal justification for Abu Shehadeh's disqualification, calling the proceedings a "political trial." They claimed the court's position contradicts its own previous standards in disqualification cases and that the court must bear responsibility for its "shameful decision" before the public, both domestically and internationally, for providing judicial cover for political exclusion. The statement framed this as part of a broader persecution of the Arab public, extending from professionals to political representatives, targeting those who oppose war, occupation, and civilian harm.

The Joint List declared their legitimacy stems from the public and the justice of their cause, not from political or judicial decisions. They reaffirmed their commitment to opposing occupation, displacement, and racism, and to fighting for freedom, equality, justice, and peace. The list vowed to counter exclusion with unity and collective action, both in public and through political means, including voting. They believe the ruling right is counting on public discouragement and abstention from voting, but their response will be maximum participation in the October 27 elections to strengthen the Joint List and help topple the "war and genocide government."