Knesset Legal Advisor Urges Prompt Re-vote for State Comptroller

The Knesset's Legal Advisor, Adv. Shagit Afik, has reiterated her position to the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) that a date must be set as soon as possible for a repeat election for the State Comptroller. This comes amid a petition concerning the election process. Afik's stance acknowledges that significant time has passed since the court's previous ruling, and she presented considerations to the court regarding the proximity to upcoming elections, the Knesset's conduct during recess, and changes in the Knesset's composition.

In July, the High Court of Justice nullified the election of Adv. Michael Ravilo as State Comptroller and ordered a new vote. The court determined that a substantial flaw existed in the secrecy of the Knesset's ballot. This unanimous decision by a five-judge panel followed petitions filed after Knesset members documented their votes during the election.

Justice Noam Sohlberg emphasized in his ruling that the secrecy of the State Comptroller election is not a right that can be waived but a mandatory obligation. He warned that allowing Knesset members to forgo the secrecy of their vote could lead to the enforcement of factional or coalition discipline in secret ballots. The Knesset is now required to hold a new election, and the current petition addresses the timing of the session for this vote.