With voting stations officially closed, exit polls at 10 p.m. suggested that Kadima would win the general elections on Tuesday.
However, due to the dramatic rise in support of the Likud and Israel Beiteinu, it seemed that Likud chairman Binyamin Netanyahu would have a better chance than Kadima head Tzipi Livni of forming the next coalition.
The Channel 1 poll showed Kadima winning 30 mandates, and Likud trailing closely behind with 28 seat. Israel Beiteinu was predicted to earn 14 mandates, and Labor was slated to get 13 seats.
The Channel 2 poll narrowed the gap between first and second place, showing Kadima with 29 mandates, and Likud with 27 seats. Israel Beiteinu was predicted to earn 15 mandates, and 13 seats.
Channel 10 followed the same pattern, predicting Kadima with 30 mandates, Kadima with 28 seats, Israel Beiteinu with 15 mandates, and Labor with 13 seats.
Once the final results of the election are known, President Shimon Peres will begin a round of consultations with party leaders, to hear who they are recommending for prime minister. In the past, the task of forming a coalition has been given to the head of the largest party. But election legislation gives Peres wide leeway, and he can grant the first opportunity to the party leader who he judges has the best chance in forming a government, even if that party did not earn the most mandates in the election.
How do Peres & Bibi get along, anyone know? Peres might be likely to go with a man at the top instead of a woman. (?)