Elections 2013

Yesterday the Knesset approved the upcoming Israeli elections for 22 January 2013. Israel is going to the polls to--from what's the conventional media wisdom--reconfirm the current government alignment. PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the Likud party is expected to garner the most votes (and seats) with other right-wing parties following in their wake. While the actual membership of coalition remains a question, the general tenor of the government is not. Another right-of-centre government is expected to be (re)formed. Not sure if that's good news (continuity) or bad (exasperating the current problems of international isolation, Iran, the Israeli-American rift, lack of peace negotiations with the Palestinians/Arabs).

One issue requiring immediate attention is whether convicted criminals may run in the election. Specifically what about Aryeh Deri (Shas and served prison time for corruption) and Ehud Olmert (Kadima, breech of trust and currently being tried for bribery, but wasn't found to have committed moral turpitude)? Never a fan of Olmert, I believe it's in his best interest to stay out. Despite all the hype, he won't win by himself, nor  convince others to run under his banner. He's 'damaged goods' and the nostalgia,  assuming it's real, for his rule is but a mirage. Deri, on the other hand, has done his time, both in jail and waiting in the wings for his moral turpitude penalty to expire, so if he can pass the muster of the political bosses of Shas--actually it's just the BIG boss R' Ovadia Yosef--he could be on the ticket. Besides, I think most of the Knesset is filled with unconvicted crooks. At least Deri, despite his own protests, won't have to hide his true colours. I also think he can contribute to the political discourse in the Knesset and government.

Unfortunately, because of the way the elections are run, via party lists to be voted as a whole, there's little true public input or comment on individual candidates. Every member of Knesset owes their loyalty to either the party (if they have primaries) or the leader/central committee (who determines the list and rank order on it). The public is merely expected (invited may be more precise) to vote for their list. For me it makes the voting process an exercise in 'minimal damage control'--which party is the least objectionable and most benign for me (and by extension the country). Because of structural issues, the current discussion is a distraction and red herring.

What result do I want? A contactable government of only non-religious large parties who will serve for a set period to reform the electoral process--create more public (as opposed to party) accountability of MKs (members of Knesset)-- and deal with the military issues specifically (a) creating full national service for all citizens (army or civilian service) regardless of religious, national, gender or ethnic identity/affiliation and (b) the Iranian nuclear threat. Once that's done, I'd be happy to either go back to the polls under the new arrangement or even have a different coalition government formed to address the other issues (knowing that after a short time a crisis will be created to provoke a general election).

What will be get? SOS--same old sh... Maybe a party or two will change but, the coalition will be the same group of parties engaging in the same games. The "tough budget" entailing new taxes and spending cuts will not be any easier to push through--the stated reason/cause for the election--nor palpable to the general public.

The process leaves me depressed and confused. Pass me the clothes pins for my nose.