Democrats Party Begins Primaries with Over 112,000 Members Voting Online

The Israeli political party Democrats is holding its primaries today (Monday) to select candidates for the upcoming Knesset elections. More than 112,000 registered party members are expected to vote among 51 candidates. Voting is conducted entirely online through a secure digital system, with results anticipated to be announced this evening after the digital polls close at 19:00. The party plans to provide voting updates throughout the day, culminating in an event at Hangar 11 in Tel Aviv where the final list will be unveiled around 20:00.

According to party rules, Chairman Yair Golan is guaranteed the top spot on the list. From the second position onward, the list will be determined by the primary results using a "zipper" system alternating between male and female candidates. Reserved spots have been allocated for Meretz party members (positions 6, 8, and 14) and for representatives of rural areas and minorities (positions 12 and 13).

Notable candidates include current Knesset members Naama Lazimi, Efrat Rayten, and Gilad Kariv, former MK Yaya Fink, retired Lt. Col. Nimrod Shefer, Omri Ronen, and various activists and public figures. The Meretz faction contenders include Gabi Leski, Naor Narkis, Yariv Oppenheimer, Michal Rozin, Mussi Raz, and Avi Dabush. The candidate pool is diverse, featuring 19 women, 17 activists, 12 former senior IDF officers, 11 with government service backgrounds, nine under 45 years old, eight former MKs, four from the Arab community, three Druze candidates, and two from the LGBTQ community.