While in the past the presidential mandate to assemble a coalition government has generally been given to the party with the most seats after elections, this has not always been the case. In the last general elections, for the 18th Knesset, after it became clear that Kadima leader Tzipi Livni would not be able to assemble a coalition due to Shas, the mandate was given to Likud. Likud only had 27 seats while Kadima 28.

According to a Yediot Achronot report, the president is keeping his hand hidden, stating one must not assume the party with the most seats will receive the mandate, explaining this is to be decided after the election results are finalized.

Attorney Orit Corinaldi-Sirkis, who heads the President’s Residence legal department, has given Mr. Peres a comprehensive report containing various likely election outcomes and scenarios.

Following the elections the president will meet with the leaders of each party elected to Knesset to inquire as to their selection for the mandate. Officials on the president’s staff have announced everything will be handled with the utmost transparency.

The weatherman predicts sunny skies on Tuesday, 11 Shevat 5773, Election Day, good news for all parties in the race.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)