Olmert spoke after near-final results said his centrist Kadima party would have enough seats in Parliament to form a governing coalition.

Though Ariel Sharon, who formed the party before succumbing to a devastating stroke, was circumspect about plans for the West Bank, Olmert claimed a mandate to withdraw from much of the West Bank and set Israel's borders, which he has said he will do by 2010.

The 63.2 percent turnout was the lowest in Israel's history and the results showed voters turning away from conventional parties to an assortment of third parties. The aftermath will likely be a period of difficult negotiations between Olmert and potential coalition partners.

"Today, Israeli democracy has spoken its piece, in a loud and clear voice," Olmert declared. "Israel wants Kadima," which means forward in Hebrew.

The Japan Times Weekly: April 1, 2006
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