A new clause has been added to the constitution of The Democrats party giving chairman Yair Golan unusual authority to move up to two candidates up or down on the party’s Knesset slate. Channel 12 reported the provision, which was approved about two weeks ago.
According to the clause, Golan may use the power if certain candidates are deemed to materially harm the party’s chances in the election. The report says the rule is widely believed to have been designed to let Golan promote preferred candidates even if they were placed low on the list.
One prominent name mentioned in that context is Naor Narcis, a leading secular activist and founder of the organization Chozrim BeTvuna. Narcis is known for his hardline views against ultra-Orthodox and religious communities and for promoting a secular agenda.
Critics say Narcis takes an antagonistic approach toward the religious public and works to intensify secularization in Israel.