With 197 of 707 polling stations counted, Barkat leading in J'lem with 48%

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Four hours after municipal elections polls closed across the country, Israel awaited final results. In Jerusalem, with 197 of 707 polling stations counted, opposition leader Nir Barkat had received 48 percent of the votes, MK Meir Porush of the United Torah Judaism Party 33%, and Israeli-Russian billionaire tycoon Arcadi Gaydamak 9%. In Tel Aviv, with more than half of votes counted, incumbent Mayor Ron Huldai had received 48% of the vote, and Hadash MK Dov Henin 35%. In Haifa, with ten percent of votes counted, Ya'acov Borovksy had a 10 point margin over incumbent mayor Yona Yahav, each receiving 43 and 33 percent respectively.