Knesset Legal Advisor Urges Supreme Court to Hold State Comptroller Election Soon

The Knesset's legal advisor, Shagit Afik, has submitted a response to the Supreme Court, urging the immediate reconvening of the plenum to hold a second vote for the State Comptroller. This comes in response to a petition filed by Yaron Gadot, following a June High Court ruling that nullified the previous second round of voting due to a breach of ballot secrecy. The court had ordered a new election to be held as soon as possible.

Afik reiterated her firm stance that the Speaker of the Knesset, Amir Ohana, is obligated to comply with the court's decision and complete the election process promptly, despite the Knesset currently being in recess for elections. She revealed that she had contacted Ohana multiple times since July, emphasizing his duty to schedule and announce the vote. The response also noted that Ohana chose to represent himself separately in this petition.

However, Afik also presented the court with "complex considerations" arising from the delay and the proximity to the general elections. These include significant changes in the Knesset's composition since the initial vote, with factions splitting and new members entering. She also expressed concern that during an election period, MKs might vote based on stricter party lines, potentially compromising the independence of the secret ballot for the comptroller position.

Furthermore, Afik highlighted the practical difficulties of convening the plenum during the election recess, as MKs are focused on campaigning. Legally, a three-week advance notice is required for such a vote. Afik also rejected a request from the State Comptroller's office to appoint an interim replacement from the State Audit Committee, stating that a new election is the proper course of action.

The Supreme Court now faces the decision of whether to compel Speaker Ohana to convene the plenum in August or to postpone the election until after the general elections, allowing the next Knesset to choose the comptroller.