Hotovely appeals Likud verdict

Official results of race gave Hotovely 60 votes less than former Kadima minister Avi Dichter, placing her in the 26th slot.

By GIL STERN STERN HOFFMAN
A man votes in the Likud’s internal elections. (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
A man votes in the Likud’s internal elections.
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
Likud MK Tzipi Hotovely filed an appeal against the results of the December 31 Likud primary Sunday, citing incorrect vote counts in several polling stations.
The official results of the race gave Hotovely some 60 votes less than former Kadima minister Avi Dichter. Because the 21st to 25th slots on the Likud list are reserved for new candidates from different regions and minority sectors, the difference meant that Dichter is 20th on the list and Hotovely 26th.
“I believe the mistakes that have been revealed will change the results of the election in the Likud,” Hotovely said.
A source close to her said there were mistakes with counting some 350 votes in Ramle, Neveh Tzuf, the Golan Regional Council, and in Ashkelon, where Dichter lives.
Dichter’s associates responded by accusing Hotovely of tampering with votes in Jerusalem and Gedera. His lawyer said the wrongdoing was criminal.
“Her attempt to disqualify polling stations where Dichter was strong is like throwing a grenade inside an armored personnel carrier,” a Dichter associate said.