How They Acquire Power - The Electoral System

Israel’s leaders gain power through democratic elections. The elections are general, equal, and secret. Elections are held at least once every four years on the national level (the Knesset), and at least once every five years on the municipal level. These governments may call an election before the end of their term if they choose. Israel has a system of equal representation, so every area in the country is treated the same, and the whole country is considered to be a single constituency.
Voters do not vote for a person, in particular, but rather a party list. After the election, if a party won a seat in the Knesset, the first people on the party’s list get those seats. For example, if a party won ten seats, the first ten people on the list would be members of the Knesset. Every citizen of Israel over the age of 18 has the right to vote, but voting is optional. After tallying the ballots, a party receives one seat in the Knesset for every one in 120 votes, but they must have at least two percent of the total votes to claim their first seat.

After the elections, the President chooses a member of the Knesset, and makes it the person’s duty to form a government. This chosen person becomes the Prime Minister. The President can choose whichever member of the Knesset that he thinks has the best chance at forming a successful government.