Jerusalem, Oct 27: Israelis voted in municipal elections today, and Prime Minister Ariel Sharon's Likud Party was expected to lose key mayoral positions. Sharon led Likud to a sweeping victory in February general elections, but the party might be hurt on the local level by infighting and competition by independent candidates, some of whom are backed by the Opposition Labour Party, analysts said.

Some voters might also withdraw their support for Likud in anger over Sharon's decision to keep traditional allies, including the ultra-orthodox Shas Party, out of the governing coalition. Shas is very active on the municipal level.

"A series of failed decisions, the absence of attractive candidates and a general lack of leadership has placed the party in an inferior position opposite independent candidates, many of whom are supported by Labour," wrote political commentator Yossi Verter in the Haaretz Daily.
A Likud loss could weaken Sharon, who has been hurt by corruption allegations. Sharon is expected to be questioned by police this week in connection with those allegations, according to Israeli media. The Maariv newspaper reported Sharon would be questioned today.

Bureau Report