Likud Party Challenges Election Results, Cites Irregularities
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS French by baba
The Likud party is preparing to challenge Israeli election results, citing alleged irregularities in Arab communities, including vote buying and illegal app usage. Lawyer Ilan Bombach claims hundreds of testimonies could affect Knesset seat distribution. The challenge may also involve a Shin Bet probe into suspected foreign interference and funding. The party seeks access to investigation materials and body camera footage.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Likud party lawyer Ilan Bombach claims hundreds of testimonies could alter Knesset seat distribution.
- The party alleges irregularities in Arab communities, including vote buying and illegal app usage.
- The legal challenge is expected to be filed by next Wednesday.
- The appeal may incorporate a Shin Bet investigation into suspected foreign interference and funding.
- Likud seeks access to investigation materials and body camera footage from election supervisors.
The Likud party is preparing to file a legal challenge against the results of the recent Israeli legislative elections, alleging significant irregularities in numerous polling stations within Arab communities. Ilan Bombach, the party's lawyer, stated on Thursday that he possesses hundreds of testimonies that could potentially alter the distribution of several seats in the Knesset. The appeal is expected to be submitted by next Wednesday, within the legal deadline for contesting election outcomes.
Bombach detailed alleged irregularities including the use of digital applications for voter mobilization, which he noted were previously banned due to privacy concerns. He also raised suspicions of vote buying, multiple voting, coercion of election committee members, and impersonation of voters. Bombach suggested these practices might partially explain the notable increase in voter turnout in Arab localities. "We will present numerous pieces of evidence, including sworn statements from observers and citizens," he asserted.
The Likud's challenge may also incorporate findings from a Shin Bet investigation into suspected foreign interference in the elections. Bombach referenced a request by Judge Noam Sohlberg for investigations into potential funding from hostile countries and foreign actors, estimated at a minimum of 100 million shekels. The lawyer accused Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara of hindering these investigations, specifically by limiting the interrogation of certain Arab members of Knesset, naming Ayman Odeh and Ahmed Tibi, the latter of whom allegedly visited Qatar shortly before the vote.
To support its case, the Likud's legal counsel is seeking access to evidence gathered by investigators, as well as recordings from body cameras worn by election supervisors. He has also contacted the Privacy Protection Authority regarding the alleged use of digital applications and the photographing of voters. Bombach hopes to gain further information following a planned meeting on Thursday between Judge Sohlberg, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director of the Shin Bet.
Bombach dismissed the notion that the alleged irregularities are insufficient to change the national results, arguing they could have influenced the allocation of several seats, though he did not publicly demonstrate their precise impact. "It is unacceptable to bury such a case instead of making every effort to discover what really happened," he stated.
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