Feb 17 • 16:32 UTC 🇮🇱 Israel Haaretz

The Election Committee Allows Those with Ties to Likud to Compete for Its Legal Advisor Position

Lawyers with connections to the Likud party are allowed to apply for the Chief Legal Advisor position in Israel's Election Committee, despite legal requirements prohibiting such affiliations.

The Election Committee of Israel is currently facing scrutiny as it allows lawyers with apparent connections to the Likud party to compete for the role of Chief Legal Advisor, despite legal provisions mandating a lack of personal or business ties to political parties. Among the notable candidates is attorney Guy Bussey, who has previously represented Likud Minister Amichai Shikli in legal matters. His involvement in significant political cases raises concerns over potential conflicts of interest that may undermine public confidence in the committee's impartiality.

The situation is compounded by the fact that the tender for the Chief Legal Advisor position comes shortly after the current advisor unexpectedly announced his resignation last month. This hasty announcement has brought to light the protocols and ethical standards governing appointments within the Election Committee, specifically those pertaining to political affiliations. Others competing for the post also have familial ties to major stakeholders within the Likud party, further blurring the lines of independence required by law.

Legal experts have voiced their concerns to Haaretz, indicating that this situation could damage the public's trust in the Election Committee, a body that is crucial for maintaining democratic integrity in the electoral process. The debate continues over whether reform is necessary to ensure that appointments are based solely on merit and devoid of political entanglements, an issue that resonates deeply within the current political landscape in Israel.

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