Balad expected to be disqualified today

The central elections committee is expected to vote on Monday to disqualify the Balad Party from running in the February 10 election. Israel Beiteinu petitioned the committee to disqualify Balad, whose founder, Azmi Bishara, is wanted in Israel for aiding the Hizbullah during the Second Lebanon War. The petition is expected to be supported by committee members from Kadima and every party to the Right of it. "The power of a democracy is not just in giving minorities representation but also in its obligation to defend itself from those who want to take advantage of its freedom to destroy it," a Kadima spokesman said.