Financial irregularities found in local election campaigns

State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss released Sunday his report on the financial conduct of the candidates and mayors of the local and regional councils.

The report, which related to the local elections that took place in November of 2007, revealed the audits and fiscal management methods results of 71 candidates who ran in 26 local campaigns.

According to the State Comptroller's Office, 45 of the candidates failed to obey the letter of the law, whereas 26 of the candidates were found to have complied with all the regulations; 24 of the candidates who were found to be at fault were striped of all government funding, although the comptroller stated they would not be facing any legal sanctions.

Among the candidates who were found to have mismanaged their campaign funds was Moti Dotan, head of the Lower Galilee regional council. When reviewing his audits, the comptroller noted that he "urges the State Prosecutor's Office to further examine the subject," adding that "the candidate seemed to have contracted the professional services of a legal advisor, an accountant and an auditor for which he did not pay.

"Such services from those who perform them for a living cannot be considered as volunteering, but rather as a donation. The candidate failed to note the services neither as an expense nor as a contribution."

Moti Dotan told Ynet in response that he has "clarified all the facts. Unfortunately, the state comptroller chose to come to certain conclusions. I respect his decision."

Sharon Roffe-Ofir contributed to this report