Only 3 out of 32 female mayoral candidates win post

Only three of the 32 female mayoral candidates were elected into office in Tuesday's local elections, constituting a mere 2 percent of all elected mayors.

By contrast, the number of women elected as heads of regional council increased significantly. Nonetheless, women's rights activists were disappointed Wednesday that their projections had not borne fruit.

Some activists said they expected candidates like Hillary Clinton and Sarah Palin in the U.S. and Tzipi Livni in Israel to draw more votes to local Israeli female contenders.

The three female city mayors were all reelected to office, and so no new city has come under a female mayor. These include Miriam Feinberg in Netanya and Yael German in Herzliya - both of whom are now entering their third terms - and Flora Shushan, who served half a term in Mitzpe Ramon.

"We are living in a chauvinistic country," said Michal Yodin, founder of Koach Nashi (Feminine Power), an organization that works to advance women in politics. "There were plenty of serious and worthy women, and in some places they were beaten at the ballot box by unworthy male contenders."