Likud Faces First Demand for Digital Voting in Primaries to Include Reservists

For the first time, the Likud party is officially considering digital voting options in its upcoming primaries to accommodate reservists serving active duty. Shlomo Lerner, chairman of the Likud Reservists Forum, sent a letter to party CEO David Sharan requesting the establishment of a mechanism allowing reservist members to vote even while on active military service. Lerner highlighted that since October 7, tens of thousands of reservists, including thousands of Likud members, have been engaged in extended combat cycles, and emphasized the need to protect their democratic right to influence the party's Knesset candidate list.

The proposal includes exploring digital voting systems or deploying mobile polling stations in combat zones. Until now, digital voting had not been seriously considered in internal Likud discussions. However, as the primary date approaches and reservist service continues, calls within the party to find solutions ensuring broad participation without compromising election integrity are growing louder.

This development comes amid a turbulent period for Likud primaries, marked by legal and political disputes over election procedures, party regulations, and emergency powers. Recently, agreements were reached to allow preparations for the primaries to proceed. Additionally, Likud's court president, Michael Kleiner, indicated in a Channel 14 interview that alternative arrangements might be considered if emergencies prevent holding the primaries as planned.