Yisrael Beiteinu trying to buy votes?

Election Committee, AG probing possible campaign irregularities pertaining to payments allegedly offered to activists who produce voters' names; Yisrael Beiteinu: We don't buy votes

Ynet |Published: 01.02.13 , 21:52

The Central Election Committee has asked Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein to look into possible irregularities pertaining to Yisrael Beiteinu's election campaign, after suspicions arose that the party offered its activists payment for producing lists of potential voters.

According to a Wednesday report on Channel 10 News, Committee Chairman Justice Elyakim Rubinstein is exploring whether the party is in violation of the election campaign code.

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The report alleged that in several of the party's branches, activists were told that if they produce the names of potential voters they would be hired to work on the campaign.

"Five-six people are enough for you to get a job with us," a party member was taped as saying to a group of activists. Anyone producing 50 names and over "would be guaranteed a job," he added.

According to the report, the offer was made to activists courting votes for the party among Hebrew-speaking and Russian-speaking public alike.

The tape prompted Rubinstein to ask Weinstein to see if Yisrael Beiteinu was in violation of Section 122 of the Israel Elections Act, which states that no individual can offer or accept bribes in exchange for his vote.

A statement by Yisrael Beiteinu said: "The results in the ballots and any payment offered to activists are completely unrelated. The party does not buy votes. Naturally, Yisrael Beiteinu's activists are expected to encourage voting for us."