Knesset Legal Advisor Urges Prompt Re-vote for State Comptroller

The Knesset's Legal Advisor, Shagit Afik, has called for an immediate repeat vote to elect a State Comptroller, stating that the court's ruling must be implemented without delay. This directive comes in response to a petition concerning the Knesset's reconvening for the comptroller election. Afik's office noted that significant time has passed since the original ruling, and considerations such as the proximity to elections, the Knesset's recess, and changes in its composition have been presented to the court.

Last July, the High Court of Justice (Bagatz) ordered a new election due to a "fundamental flaw in the secrecy of the vote," specifically citing Likud members who filmed their ballots behind the curtain. Despite this ruling, the Knesset has not yet held a new vote. Reports emerged weeks later that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu decided to leave the position unfilled. Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana refused to hold the repeat election as ordered by the court, and coalition party leaders declared they would not adhere to the ruling.

The State Comptroller-elect, Michael Ravilo, announced he would not assume the role contrary to the court's decision. The article also references Netanyahu's decision not to fill the State Comptroller position and opposition anger over Ravilo's selection, calling it "blackmail."