Israel goes to the polls today. 33 parties to choose from – green, Jewish religious, Arab, pensioners and the usual lot – they are all there competing on the basis of strict proportional representation.

Each election throws up its own irony. This year, when the winter rains have been almost non-existant, it is puring down as I write. Maybe this will put off a few people.

The non-Jewish voter is never short of choices. For example, the Druze are represented on many of the lists of the major parties. The Balad group and others, openly and consistently critical of Israeli governments, are trying to encourage their supporters to turn up and vote.

What is undisputed is that everyone has a right to one vote and cast is freely.

Palestinians can look on with wonder. , Hamas continues is rule by threat and violence. The Palestinian-run Independent Commission for Human Rights reported in a press release on February 8th that yet another Palestinian has been tortured to death by Hamas in a Gaza hospital.  Jameel Shafiq Shaqqura was 51, and heralded from Khan Yunis. In a separate incident, UNRWA has finally convinced Hamas to return supplies that were stolen in broad daylight.

No doubt, the result of the election will produce yet another coalition government. Weak or strong, right or left, whatever its formation, today confirms yet again that Israel resides firmly in the camp of pluralistic, democratic societies.