On Tuesday, 12 Sivan 5774 the Knesset will hold a special election session during the afternoon hours. That session is expected to last a number of hours. Firstly, none of the candidates are likely to receive the required 61 votes. Secondly, each of the MKs must walk behind the voting partition and cast a ballot. The fact that the vote is a secret ballot may lead to surprises for in essence MKs may vote for a candidate other than the one they promise to support.

After round one of voting a special committee comprised of 3-4 MKs from different parties will tabulate the votes. After the final count is in the speaker will announce the results. If none of the candidates received a majority of at least 61 votes, a second round will be held between the two candidates who received the most votes in round one. A second round is likely to take another two hours or more. After the second round votes are tabulated the speaker will announce the name of the winner of the presidential race, the person who will serve as Israel’s 10th president.

The actual swearing in ceremony will take place at the end of July when President Peres’ term ends.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)