Israeli election heading for low turnout

Israel is heading for its lowest election turnout since 1973.

Only 23.5% of the electorate had voted by noon, compared to 28.9% in 1999.

Central elections committee chairman Justice Mishael Cheshin blamed to the low turnout on what he called a lacklustre campaign period.

The Jerusalem Post says voter turnout has remained stable at around 78.5% since 1973.

Prof Avi Diskin said turnout may pick up, but so far the figures are showing a "consistent decrease compared with other years".