Story perspectives

VEC Rejects Duplicate ‘Free Palestine’ Party Amid Naming Controversy

8/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

Avi Yemini registered the “Free Palestine” party for Victoria’s November election.
Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said the VEC must register parties that meet legal criteria.
The VEC rejected Ibrahim Hadi’s “Free Palestine Party” because its name duplicated Yemini’s, despite 500-member requirement, which Yemini met with 750 members.
Critics say the group voting system’s “above-the-line” option can be abused by misleading names, and that a bill to let parties control names faces opposition.

1 of 1

Story summary

Avi Yemini registered the “Free Palestine” party for Victoria’s November election.
Commissioner Sven Bluemmel said the VEC must register parties that meet legal criteria.
The VEC rejected Ibrahim Hadi’s “Free Palestine Party” because its name duplicated Yemini’s, despite 500-member requirement, which Yemini met with 750 members.
Critics say the group voting system’s “above-the-line” option can be abused by misleading names, and that a bill to let parties control names faces opposition.