Israeli Electoral History: Sharon Elected Israeli Prime Minister

Likud Party leader Ariel Sharon defeated Labor Party candidate Ehud Barak in the special election for prime minister. With 99.9% of the votes counted, Sharon had 62.5% of the vote and Ehud Barak 37.5%. The Israeli Central Election Committee will announce the official results February 13.

Within 45 days of the publication of the election results, the prime minister-elect will present the list of ministers and basic policy guidelines before the Knesset. Incumbent Ehud Barak announced that with the establishment of the new government he will resign as Labor Party head and from the Knesset. Barak will remain prime minister in a caretaker role until Sharon assumes office.