Kadima chairman Shaul Mofaz is mulling whether to cancel party primaries to establish a new party list despite preparations being underway to do so.

The Knesset TV channel reported on Tuesday that Mofaz has been advised by senior faction members to instead establish a committee, "which will establish the party list and positions ahead of elections."

According to the report, the proposal was put forward by current Kadima MKs and central committee members, who are offering him an "escape route" from potential party defections.

The imploding Kadima party presently has 28 Knesset seats – making it the largest Knesset faction – but is polling at 13 seats.

As a result, there is a double concern in that senior faction members may defect if their Knesset seats are not secured, while "less ideologically reliable" faction members could defect after elections if seated.

Additionally, the move would allow Kadima to use money that would have been spent on primaries for its campaign expenditures.

Under former party chairwoman Tzipi Livni, Kadima was rocked with allegations of fiscal mismanagement.

With its public support plummeting, its donations are likely to follow, leaving Kadima with a dismal financial forecast.

Kadima MK Ronit Tirosh confirmed the report that Kadima might forego primaries on the "Open Studio" show on the Knesset Channel, and said she was among those pushing for the move. (IsraelNationalNews © 2012 05/07/12)