2011 Israeli Labor Party leadership election

Following the departure of Ehud Barak from the membership and leadership of the Israeli Labor Party, a leadership election was called.

2011 Israeli Labor Party leadership election

← 2007 12–21 September 2011 (2011-09-12 – 2011-09-21) 2013 →
 
Candidate Shelly Yachimovich Amir Peretz
Popular Vote 22,299 18,769
Percentage 54.5% 45.5%

Leader before election

Ehud Barak

Elected Leader

Shelly Yachimovich

Election rules

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Leadership elections in the Israeli Labor Party happen in a two round vote, with the two leading candidates from the first round advancing into a run-off. If a candidate wins over 40% of the vote in the first round, he wins automatically and the second round is cancelled.

Candidates

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4 Candidates ran for Labor leadership in this election:[1]

  • Shelly Yachimovich, Labor MK and former journalist.
  • Amir Peretz, Labor MK and former party leader and Minister of Defense.
  • Isaac Herzog, Labor MK and former Minister of Welfare and Social Services
  • Amram Mitzna, Labor MK and former party leader and former mayor of Haifa and Yerhuam.

Results

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Candidate First round Second round
Votes % Votes %
Turnout:
65%
61%
Shelly Yachimovich Y 14,003 32% 22,299 54.5%
Amir Peretz 13,566 31% 18,769 45.5%
Isaac Herzog 10,940 25%
Amram Mitzna 5,251 12%
Total 43,760 N/A 41,068 N/A

Yachimovich was thus elected leader of the party, becoming the second female leader of the party since Golda Meir, who was elected leader of Mapai in 1969 and automatically became leader of the Labor Party upon the merger of Mapai with Rafi and Ahdut HaAvoda.[2]

References

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  1. ^ Elad Benari (13 September 2011). "Labor Leadership Race Headed for Second Round". Arutz Sheva.
  2. ^ Jonathan Lis (22 September 2011). "Shelly Yachimovich elected as new leader of Israel's Labor Party". Haaretz.