Central Elections Committee head Sohlberg stresses need for election integrity in meeting with A-G

Justice Noam Sohlberg, Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, met with Attorney-General Gali Baharav-Miara on Sunday in light of the upcoming elections scheduled for October 27. Both emphasized the critical need to preserve the integrity of the electoral process. Sohlberg, who also serves as the deputy president of the Supreme Court, noted that "Election integrity is not merely a legal principle; it is a fundamental prerequisite for public trust in democracy."

The Central Elections Committee has been actively preparing for the challenges associated with conducting the elections, he added. "The commitment of law enforcement agencies to determined and effective enforcement of election laws is a key component in ensuring a proper electoral process and protecting every citizen's right to vote and to stand for election," Sohlberg stated.

The meeting aimed to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, safeguard election integrity, maintain public confidence, and guarantee every citizen's right to participate in the vote. After the meeting, Baharav-Miara reiterated the importance of maintaining election integrity, stating that it "is one of the cornerstones of Israeli democracy."

Attorney-General Baharav-Miara expressed confidence in the Central Elections Committee, praising their professionalism and dedication. She assured that all law enforcement authorities would collaborate closely with the committee to ensure the election is conducted fairly and without improper influence. "I have full confidence in the employees of the Central Elections Committee, their professionalism, and their dedication, and I am certain that by joining forces we will ensure that every citizen can exercise the right to vote with confidence and security," she added.

The meeting followed President Isaac Herzog's warning last month that hostile actors, both within and outside Israel, are attempting to undermine the election. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir strongly criticized Baharav-Miara after the meeting, calling her a "criminal" and demanding her removal from any role in the election process. Ben-Gvir has been in frequent conflict with both Baharav-Miara and the judiciary over their ongoing disputes.