Eisenkot Opposes Likud's Bid to Extend Voting Hours, Cites Election Integrity Concerns

Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yesh Atid party, has strongly opposed a request by the Likud party to extend voting hours beyond the scheduled 10 PM closing time. Eisenkot argued that the request lacks justification based on exceptional circumstances and could lead to claims questioning the integrity of the elections. The Likud, along with the Shas and Otzma Yehudit parties, submitted an urgent request to Central Elections Committee Chairman Judge Noam Sohlberg to extend polling hours nationwide. This move comes amid reports of long queues at many polling stations and record-high voter turnout.

Yesh Atid stated that no extraordinary event warrants extending the voting period, suggesting the request aims to "prepare the ground for claims against the integrity of the elections." The party referenced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's earlier statements on voting in the Arab community, accusing him of spreading falsehoods and attempting to undermine the electoral process. The political dispute highlights differing reactions to the high turnout, particularly in Arab towns and opposition strongholds, with coalition parties expressing concern and opposition parties warning against attempts to discredit the results.

Likud's request, submitted by lawyer Ilan Bomback, cited exceptional crowding and long lines at polling stations in various areas, raising concerns that voters might not be able to cast their ballots before closing. The party also mentioned rainy weather as a factor that could deter voters. They requested an urgent decision from the Elections Committee to alleviate pressure at polling stations and prevent disenfranchisement due to time constraints. Shas and Otzma Yehudit joined Likud's call, citing similar reasons of overcrowding and long waits.

Shas party leader Aryeh Deri expressed concern over lower participation in Haredi and right-wing areas compared to the high turnout in left-wing and Arab communities. He noted long queues in Bedouin towns in the Negev and Tel Aviv, contrasting with what he described as complacency and low motivation in some right-wing and Haredi areas. Deri remarked that current turnout levels are unprecedented since 1973 and urged seriousness in the remaining voting hours.

In response to concerns about queues, Dean Levne, Acting Director General of the Central Elections Committee, clarified that polling stations would remain open after 10 PM for voters already waiting in line at closing time. He emphasized that the presence of queues does not automatically necessitate a general extension of hours for all stations, but rather ensures those present at closing can vote. The committee is working to reduce wait times and manage voter flow.

The decision to extend voting hours rests with the Central Elections Committee Chairman, Judge Noam Sohlberg, under Section 70a of the Knesset Elections Law. This law allows for extensions in specific areas if special circumstances impede or are likely to impede the proper conduct of voting, with a maximum extension of 24 hours. The parties' request requires a formal decision based on established criteria.