Israeli Election Committee Tightens Oversight on Polls Amid Vote Integrity Concerns

As Israel's election campaign enters a new phase, the Central Elections Committee has introduced stricter oversight measures on public opinion polls to prevent electoral deception. On Tuesday evening, Deputy CEO of the Central Elections Committee, Attorney Din Livna, sent a letter to polling institutes and media outlets reminding them of their legal obligation to submit detailed poll data to the committee. This includes questions asked, survey dates, commissioning parties, methodology, sample size, and demographics. The requirement is based on Section 16 of the Election Propaganda Law, aiming to ensure transparency and prevent misleading practices. Starting tomorrow, exactly 90 days before the elections, poll data must be submitted within 96 hours of publication, and within 24 hours during the final two weeks before voting day. The committee has also launched a secure website for reporting raw poll data.

In parallel, Likud's legal advisor, Attorney Ilan Bombach, filed a complaint with the Central Elections Committee demanding an investigation into a new initiative allegedly encouraging Israelis living abroad to return and vote by offering free accommodation and transportation. The initiative, led by Dr. Chen Katzavitz Persler and her partner, reportedly expanded rapidly, with hundreds volunteering their homes. Bombach argued this could constitute illegal election bribery under Section 123 of the law, which prohibits not only monetary bribes but also services or other benefits that might influence voters. He emphasized that proving actual vote change is unnecessary; the potential to influence is sufficient, citing the significant reduction in travel costs as evidence.

The Central Elections Committee responded without taking a position on the specific allegations but stressed that any attempt to influence voting through bribes or gifts undermines election integrity and the principle of free elections. They advised that if there is suspicion of criminal conduct, the matter should be referred to appropriate authorities, and if necessary, the committee chairperson’s powers could be invoked through a formal petition.