Ramon expects early elections
Photo: Niv Calderon
Ramon: Elections to be held this year
Speaking in Washington, Vice Premier Haim Ramon says he expects general elections to be held by November; meanwhile, Olmert's associates say prime minister will not stand in way of early Kadima primaries
WASHINGTON – Minister Haim Ramon, who is a close associate of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, has estimated Friday that general elections will be held in Israel by November. Ramon, who is currently in the United States, voiced his assessment during a conference at the Washington Institute.
Ramon, who also serves as vice premier, said that he believes that Israel and the Palestinians should be publicly presenting the understandings they have reached while Olmert is still in office, and before American President George W. Bush leaves the White House.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Olmert's associates, speaking in Israel, said Friday evening that the PM does not intend to fight the intention of several Kadima members to set a date for party leadership primaries. However, one Olmert associate said: "We suggest waiting for Moshe Talansky's cross-examination. After that we'll see what happens."
Poll: Livni on top
Earlier, Kadima sources associated with Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz said he is closely coordinating his moves with Olmert and is interested in holding the Kadima primaries in September.A poll conducted Thursday evening by Yedioth Ahronoth and the Dahaf Institute among 62,000 of Kadima's members showed that 39% of them will vote for Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni in future primary elections for the party's leadership.
According to the survey, Livni will defeat Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz, who was backed by 25% of respondents.
Attila Somfalvi and Aviram Zino contributed to the report
