Israeli Soldiers Begin Early Voting Ahead of October 27 Knesset Elections
Translated & summarized from Jüdische Allgemeine by baba
Israeli soldiers began early voting for the October 27 parliamentary elections, with approximately 850 polling stations set up across the country and military bases. This initiative allows soldiers stationed in remote areas to cast their ballots before election day. Meanwhile, Israeli diplomats abroad saw a high turnout of 86.7% in their early voting period. Polls suggest a close race, with a potential deadlock between the government and opposition, and Gadi Eisenkot emerging as a key challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli soldiers started early voting for the October 27 Knesset elections on Wednesday.
- Around 850 polling stations are open for soldiers in Israel and military positions abroad.
- Israeli diplomats abroad had a high turnout of 86.7% in their early voting.
- Polls predict a deadlock, with neither the government nor opposition expected to win a majority.
- Gadi Eisenkot is the main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
- Approximately 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote in the upcoming elections.
Active duty soldiers in Israel began casting their ballots on Wednesday, nearly a week before the general public, for the upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for October 27. This early voting initiative aims to ensure that soldiers stationed in remote locations can participate in the democratic process. Approximately 850 polling stations have been established across Israel, including within military positions in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, and Syria, with about a quarter of these being mobile units. These facilities will remain open for soldiers until the official election day.
Around 3,000 soldiers, primarily conscripts who have received special training, are serving as poll workers. Soldiers also retain the option to vote at civilian polling stations on October 27. Meanwhile, Israeli diplomats stationed abroad already cast their votes on October 15 and 16. Media reports indicated a significant turnout of 86.7 percent among eligible diplomats, a notable increase from the nearly 70 percent participation rate in 2022.
Observers suggest that voter turnout could be a decisive factor in the election's outcome, with opposition parties actively encouraging Israelis living abroad to return and vote. The election authority anticipates approximately 50,000 Israelis will travel to vote. Unlike many countries, Israel's absentee ballot system is limited to diplomats and their families.
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, about 7.3 million Israelis are eligible to vote, comprising 6.5 million residents in Israel and 810,000 living abroad. The number of eligible voters in Israel has grown by 5.4 percent since the November 2022 elections. Jewish voters constitute over three-quarters of the electorate, with Arab voters making up 18 percent and 5 percent classified as 'Other'.
Polls have consistently predicted a deadlock between the current government coalition and the Zionist opposition parties, with neither side projected to secure the necessary 61-seat majority. Gadi Eisenkot, former army chief and leader of the Yashar party, is identified as the main challenger to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A recent "Walla" poll indicated Likud securing 19 seats and Yashar 23, with the pro-government bloc totaling 48 mandates and the Jewish opposition reaching 54 seats, while Arab parties are projected to win 14 seats. Thirty-seven parties are competing for the 120 parliamentary seats.
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