Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert early Thursday congratulated Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni on her apparent victory in the ruling Kadima party's primary.
Local news service Ynet reported that Olmert called Livni to convey his congratulations and promised that he would cooperate fully with Livni in the transfer of power, shortly after three exit polls found Livni would win with over 47 percent of the votes.
Internal Security Minister Avi Dichter, whom the exit polls showed received 7 percent of the votes in Wednesday's elections, also congratulated Livni, said the report.
"Kadima will emerge from this election stronger, more democratic, and with a leadership that will lead Israel forward," Dichter was quoted as saying at a press conference.
Another candidate, Interior Minister Meir Sheetrit, also convey his congratulations to Livni and promised to cooperate.
"Livni stands before critical challenges in the fields of security, economy, and society. I hope she is successful in establishing a strong government that retrieves faith in Kadima. I, as a member of the Kadima Party, am always ready to cooperate," he was quoted as saying.
Earlier, Livni's main rival, Transportation Minister Shaul Mofaz said he would wait for the final results.
If official results find Livni win with over 40 percent of the votes, she will become Kadima's third and first woman leader following its founder, former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon and Olmert.
Source:Xinhua
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