Democrats Party Primaries Close With 86% Turnout, Naama Lazimi Leads Polls

The Democratic Party in Israel concluded its primaries on Monday with an exceptionally high voter turnout of 86 percent. Over 97,000 registered members cast their votes online through a secure digital system. The primaries began earlier that day, inviting more than 112,000 eligible voters to select the party list from 51 candidates.

According to the party's regulations, party chairman Yair Golan is automatically reserved the top spot on the list. From the second position onward, the list is determined by the primary results, maintaining a gender alternation between men and women. Specific slots are reserved for the Meretz party at positions 6, 8, and 14, featuring candidates such as Gabi Leski, Naor Narkis, Yariv Oppenheimer, Michal Rozin, Mossi Raz, and Avi Dabush. Additionally, slots 12 and 13 are designated for representatives of rural areas and minorities.

Based on a TrendZone poll of the primaries, Naama Lazimi ranks second, followed by Gilad Kariv in third, Efrat Rayten fourth, and Yair (Yaya) Pink fifth. Gabi Leski holds the sixth spot reserved for Meretz, with Omri Ronen seventh and Michal Rozin eighth. Other notable rankings include Moshe Redman Abutbul ninth, Moran Zar Kanzenstein tenth, and Nimrod Shafir eleventh. The reserved slots for kibbutzim and minorities remain competitive among Somia Bashir, Eran Etzion, Ram Shefa, and Avi Dabush. Naor Narkis and Avi Dabush are closely contesting the 14th position, while Emily Moati rounds out the top 15.

Party chairman Yair Golan praised the democratic process, stating, "Today is a day of celebration for Israeli democracy. Only a strong 'Democrats' team in the Knesset and government will save the country and restore the security, democracy, and hope that Israel so desperately needs."