|
Israel’s Neighbors Cancel, Skip or Rig Their Elections
Across Israel’s borders, the governments that call it a criminal state do not hold elections at all.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is currently serving his 22nd year of a four-year term. He recently postponed legislative elections again, citing security issues. Australia, Canada, France, the UK and the European Union pressed him to hold the vote anyway and some countries were set to provide election monitors.
Qatar is ruled by a monarchy. The Al Thani family rules absolutely – funding the anti-American Al Jazeera network, the social media machinery that carries its messaging worldwide and pours in money to influence American education.
Iran holds elections that decide little to nothing. The Guardian Council screens candidates before voters ever see a ballot, and the supreme leader – who outranks every elected official – is chosen by a clerical body of Islamic scholars. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei served as supreme leader from 1989 until his death this year. The government kills its own citizens in the street by the tens of thousands when they protest for their rights and demand different leaders. Russia and China are its closest partners, and neither allows its citizens to freely vote.
Israelis Abroad Returning to Vote
Israel has no absentee ballot. The only exceptions are for Israeli officials and their families living abroad, as well as soldiers in combat outside Israel. Every other Israeli citizen must be physically present at a polling station in Israel on Oct. 27.
Voter turnout in Israeli elections has historically been high. Israeli diplomats and their families posted abroad have already turned out – nearly 87% of those eligible. The IDF is overseeing hundreds of stations for soldiers to vote early. More than 50,000 Israelis living abroad – in a country of 7.3 million registered voters – are expected to fly to Israel, many citing their opposition to or support for the current government. Liran Naaman spent $900 on a flight for a ballot that takes 60 seconds to cast.
Americans Vote a Week Later
Americans go to the polls one week after Israelis. Both electorates are very divided and have been told the entire future of their country rides on the result and that the elections are a referendum on their leaders. For all Israelis and Americans, regardless of religion and ethnicity, both democracies will be tested in the weeks to come.
| 
