the vote resulted with the election of rabbi aryeh stern with a majority of 27 of the 48 representatives from the city's synagogues, city councils, and voters appointed by naftali bennett. he had been elected the candidate of the religious zionism sector in 2009. jerusalem mayor nir barkat was against the appointment of two haredi chief rabbis and wanted one of the elected rabbis to belong to the religious zionist stream of judaism. he stated that "the chief rabbi has an important role as representative of the city and its citizens. he must be a figure engaged in issues connected to all segments of the city's population and understand the needs of the entire population that receives religious services." "it is only proper that the chief rabbis of the capital be chosen in a democratic way that reflects the population. therefore, i am pushing for the creation of an electoral body... that represents the true makeup of the city: 70% general population, 30% haredi." others had suggested that the citizens of jerusalem elect the rabbis themselves. upon his election, rabbi stern said, "it is in my intention to serve as the rabbi of all jerusalemites: secular, modern-orthodox and charedi alike. the jerusalem rabbinate is a great merit, but it also comprises a hefty responsibility. i will make sure that the religious services will become accessible and friendly and will serve as an outstanding model for all of the other rabbinates in israel".