President Reuven (Ruvi) Rivlin on Wednesday morning visited the Knesset and observed the Central Elections Committee counting Tuesday’s votes.
The president thanked on behalf of the citizens of Israel all the individuals counting the votes as well as the members of the committee who have worked tirelessly over the last few months to ensure free and fair elections, saying: “You are the most professional and dedicated expression of how democracy works in Israel. Thanks to each one of you, we can be absolutely confident that the will of the people is given its most accurate expression, and that the right of the people to fair elections and accurate and verified information is upheld. Thank you all for your wonderful work. I hope that soon you will be able to return to your normal daily lives, until the next time.”
The president spoke with Chairman of the Central Elections Committee Judge Hanan Melcer, and they agreed that the consultations with the parties ahead of forming the government will begin next week at the presidential residence.
The president announced his historic decision that the meetings with the various factions would be broadcast live, in the name of transparency.
The president meets with representatives of the factions, hears their recommendations and at the end of the round of consultations with all factions announces which Knesset member would be trusted with forming a government. The chosen MK has 28 days to form a new government for Israel. If required, the president is able to give an extension of up to 14 days. The factions’ representatives will start coming to the residence in a detailed schedule at the beginning of next week.
Faction heads who wish to give official statements to the press will do so immediately after their meeting with the president at the residence’s press center.
