IMW Lada'at - Israel's Media Watch appealed to the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee,

Israel's Media Watch appealed to the Chairman of the Central Elections Committee, Supreme Court Justice Eliyahu Matza,
to prevent the airing of a debate on the "Mishal Cham" interview show this evening on Channel Two TV.

IMW notes in its legal brief that the program violates two laws: the prohibition on election propaganda outside the permitted political broadcasts in the period of 60 days prior to the polling date and
the principle of equality. IMW claims that in not inviting two other candidates, Benny Begin and Azmi Bahara, the program is committing an infraction.

Beyond this, IMW is concerned that the democratic process of elections is being "hijacked" by vested media and commercial interests who will dominate who will benefit from air time, for how long and on which programs.

"The law is clear", says IMW Director Yisrael Medad, "and we ask that the judge utilize his lawful powers to intervene and uphold the lawful arrangement that exists which is intended to protect not only
the candidates but the voters as well".

At the hearing, IMW will be represented by its chariman, Professor Eli Pollak

Israel's Media Watch is a non-partisan civic advocacy group - IMW is a registered non-profit organization whose major aim is assuring the ethical and fair conduct of the Israeli media.