AFP: What happens next after tight Israeli election

[Junkdrawer]

JERUSALEM (AFP) — With both the centrist Kadima and right-wing Likud claiming victory in Tuesday's parliamentary vote, the process of forming the next Israeli government promises to be an arduous one.

Herewith a guide to what happens next in the politics of the Jewish state following the tight race for the 18th Knesset, as the Israeli parliament is known.

The official results are expected to be published within a day or two.

Once they are published, President Shimon Peres has seven days to entrust to a party leader the task of forming the next government.

The party leader then has 28 days to put together a coalition. If necessary Peres can extend the deadline by another 14 days.

If a coalition fails to emerge, he can assign the task to another party leader, who also has 28 days to form a government.

If this bid fails, Peres can then assign the task to a third person, but should this person not succeed within 14 days the president then calls a new election.

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http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5i9OwWGOifqWVs3ytm18DxX86gK-g

So the big question is WHO Peres asks first....

[Junkdrawer]

1. If Peres asks Netanyahu first, it's likely a RW coalition with Likud the most liberal member...

Can a Democratic Senate and President really give unconditioned support to such a government? Stay tuned....