Arutz-7's Haggai Huberman reports, in the name of a "close confidante to Arik Sharon," that the Prime Minister will not give preference to Shinui over the religious parties. In contrast, Jerusalem Mayor Ehud Olmert, #32 on the Likud list and the Likud's campaign chief, said that he does not view a right-wing government as a realistic option at this point.
Huberman's source said that though Sharon expects to have to form a right-wing government, he will still attempt to entice Labor into a unity government by offering many ministerial portfolios and far-reaching diplomatic concessions. A right-wing government of 67 seats has the advantage, from Sharon's vantage point, of not allowing any one party to topple the government - although the National Union's departure, which can be expected in the event of diplomatic concessions by Sharon, would leave the government with only 60 seats.
The voter turnout was 68.5% - the lowest in the history of the State. At least one television commentator said that this was a reaction to the "fact that these elections were forced upon the public." Voting in the Arab sector was less than the national average. In the IDF, 90% of the soldiers voted.
The final election results will be publicized on Jan. 30. Sharon, after being appointed by President Moshe Katzav to form the next government, will have 28 days to do so, and will be able to request an extra 14 days if necessary.
Huberman's source said that though Sharon expects to have to form a right-wing government, he will still attempt to entice Labor into a unity government by offering many ministerial portfolios and far-reaching diplomatic concessions. A right-wing government of 67 seats has the advantage, from Sharon's vantage point, of not allowing any one party to topple the government - although the National Union's departure, which can be expected in the event of diplomatic concessions by Sharon, would leave the government with only 60 seats.
The voter turnout was 68.5% - the lowest in the history of the State. At least one television commentator said that this was a reaction to the "fact that these elections were forced upon the public." Voting in the Arab sector was less than the national average. In the IDF, 90% of the soldiers voted.
The final election results will be publicized on Jan. 30. Sharon, after being appointed by President Moshe Katzav to form the next government, will have 28 days to do so, and will be able to request an extra 14 days if necessary.