Khenin: Battle moves to opposition
Photo: Michael Shtindel
Huldai. Continues to next term
Photo: Dudu Azulay
Khenin loses to Huldai, promises to continue battle from Knesset
Final results in Tel Aviv announce Mayor Ron Huldai victorious with 50.6% of votes, while Dov Khenin comes in second with 34.3%; ousted candidate tells supporters they have made history
Despite a valorous battle waged by Dov Khenin and his list, 'Ir Lekulanu' (A City for Us All), Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai will continue for a third term after winning the municipal elections Wednesday.
The final results Wednesday declared Huldai the winner, with 50.6% of the votes, while Khenin came in second with 34.3%. Each of the candidates' parties received five mandates in the city's council.
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Huldai's campaign, under a strain to achieve at least five mandates in order to relieve themselves of possible extortion by other parties, prohibited journalists from entering their headquarters for most of the night. Huldai said he planned to wait until the vast majority of votes had been counted to make an official announcement.
Meanwhile Khenin's campaign showed signs of discontented acceptance as the evening wore on. Just after 2 am Khenin arrived and spoke to his supporters.
"We made history in this city," he said. "We've had a wonderful journey with a movement of volunteers, without money, without the support of realtors, but a lot of energy."
With a nod to Huldai he said, "We won't allow the policies of the last five years to continue. The public has transferred a very clear message to the mayor. We will serve the public in the opposition and we will do this with confidence and energy."
He then told Ynet that he would "return to the Knesset, and continue to fight from there."
Eli Senyor contributed to this report
