14 new parties among record number expected to register for elections

The Justice Ministry database lists 89 registered parties, though many have not been active for years.

By SHELLY PAZ
elections voting cards 248.88 AJ (photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
elections voting cards 248.88 AJ
(photo credit: Ariel Jerozolimski [file])
Of the parties registered with the Justice Ministry to run in February's general elections, 14 are new. Up to 43 parties - a record - are expected to register with the Central Elections Committee by Sunday night at midnight, indicating that they plan to run for the 18th Knesset. All told, the Justice Ministry database lists 89 registered parties, though many have not been active for years. Representatives of the new parties are scheduled to arrive at the Central Elections Committee office in the Knesset on Wednesday to register for the elections and receive the letter or combination of letters that will appear on their ballots. Veteran parties will register on Sunday. Among the new parties trying to get the voters' attention are Yisrael Hazaka, led former Labor MK Ephraim Sneh; Hatikva, led by MK Arye Eldad; and Habayit Hayehudi, the merger of the National Regional Party and the National Union. A party can be registered at any time, whether elections are in the offing or not. The process takes at least 44 days, which includes 30 days for the public to register objections. The registration fee is NIS 1,915, but some NIS 73,000 must also be paid to cover newspaper ads that the ministry will publish relating to elections. Parties that plan to run must present their candidates list to the Central Elections Committee at least 47 days before election day.