The Stance
Interior Minister Moshe Arbel firmly stands his ground against calls to further postpone the approaching municipal elections. Originally scheduled for the end of October, these elections have already been delayed to January 30, amidst calls to push them to February 27.
Why It Matters
Municipal leadership is crucial for the governance and service delivery in cities across Israel. The insistence on holding elections as planned is a balancing act between maintaining democratic processes and acknowledging logistical challenges brought by external factors, such as military reserve duty for candidates.
The Background
The possibility of a second postponement was built into the law passed last October, but only if circumstances made holding the elections infeasible. Arbel consulted military and election experts, concluding that January elections were not only viable but also essential to avoid infringing on the rights of soldiers to vote or run for office.
Political Pressure
Despite pressure from parties within the Knesset, like the Religious Zionist Party, Arbel argues that objectivity is key and political interests should be set aside. The lack of current municipal leadership is causing instability, and further delays could exacerbate this problem. Arbel emphasizes the need for stability and continuity in governance.
Legislative Roadblocks
Postponing the elections would require government cabinet approval and a significant majority from the Interior Committee. Despite Arbel’s refusal to initiate this process, some parliament members have started drafting a bill to override his decision and delay the elections without his consent. Arbel expressed that if such a bill were to pass, he would respect the decision, albeit reiterating that the proposal should have been brought forth earlier.
The Bottom Line
Moshe Arbel’s determination to stick to the rescheduled January 30 date emphasizes the importance he places on sound governance and the risks he perceives in pushing the elections further, highlighting the tensions between democratic process and the realities of current events impacting candidates and voters alike.
This story was first published on jpost.com.