Netanyahu's Likud Seeks Extension of Voting Hours Amid Record Turnout
Jerusalem, October 27 - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party has requested an extension of voting hours in the ongoing parliamentary elections, citing the need for more time to mobilize its supporters amid record voter participation.
According to reports, a record number of voters had cast their ballots during the first seven hours of polling, with over 7.3 million people eligible to vote for the 120-seat Knesset. With around five hours remaining before polls close, Netanyahu has urged his supporters to vote in greater numbers, expressing concern over strong participation among Arab Israeli citizens, who account for about one-fifth of the population.
Mansour Abbas, leader of the United Arab List, accused Netanyahu of spreading falsehoods and inciting against his party. The Likud party has also been reported to have spent millions of shekels deploying observers at polling stations in Palestinian communities and is preparing to challenge the results if it loses. The Central Elections Committee, however, has stated that it has not detected any irregularities so far.
Analysts say higher turnout among Arab Israeli voters could complicate Netanyahu's efforts to secure a parliamentary majority and potentially strengthen opposition efforts to form a government.
