Professor Asher Cohen Questions Primaries as True Democratic Tools in Israeli Politics

In the inaugural episode of the podcast "The Political Workshop," Professor Asher Cohen from Bar-Ilan University critically examines the role of primaries in Israeli politics, arguing they do not necessarily guarantee democratization. Cohen clarifies the original meaning of primaries and highlights how their use in Israel sometimes deviates from this, citing concerns about manipulation through mass registrations by small groups that may not genuinely support the party.

He points out challenges faced by smaller parties, such as the Religious Zionist Party, where free voting in primaries can distort representation of different factions or demographic groups. Cohen suggests that in such cases, alternative mechanisms like reserved spots on candidate lists might better ensure fair representation. He emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing the membership process to prevent distortions.

Comparing international practices, Cohen notes that countries like the United States impose restrictions such as early registration to prevent manipulative tactics in primaries. Some systems require a one- or two-year party membership to ensure voters are genuine supporters.

As an alternative, Cohen discusses the "open ballot" model, which allows voters to influence candidate rankings on election day without formal party membership. While this method faces criticism for potentially fostering internal competition that could harm party unity, it is widely used globally and is seen as a way to increase public engagement in elections. Cohen underscores the need to carefully consider the timing and implementation of such reforms to improve democratic representation in Israel.