This law authorizes the Minister of Interior to postpone democratic elections in new regional councils for an indefinite period (specifically relating to the case of Abu Basma, a regional council of Bedouin villages in the Negev).
Tabled by: Government
This law includes an amendment to the law concerning elections in regional councils, allowing the Minister of Interior to postpone democratic elections in new regional councils for an indefinite period. It specifically relates to the case of Abu Basma, a regional council comprised of Bedouin villages in the Negev, which was recognized six years ago but is still being administered by an appointed representative of the Minister of Interior, not by elected representatives of the Bedouin community. The bill was approved by the Knesset in November 2009.
On 27 April 2010, ACRI, together with partner organizations and local residents, filed a petition to the High Court of Justice, demanding that the court instruct the Minister of Interior to facilitate elections immediately, claiming that the law represents a grave infringement on democratic values and on the specific obligation Israel holds to ensuring regular and transparent democratic elections. On 9 February 2011, in a High Court hearing on the matter, it was declared that elections be held in December 2012.
November 2009: Bill passes second-third (final) reading in plenum.
27 April 2010: Petition filed to the High Court of justice to disqualify this bill.
Status: Bill has been enacted as a law.
