Ostap Semerak: Government proposes to strengthen criminal penalties for violation of election law

The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the draft Law on Amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine to strengthen accountability for violations of electoral rights. This bill has to be considered by the Parliament.

This was started by Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Ostap Semerak after the Government session.

According to the Minister the Government took this decision in view of the fact that "there was a lot of concern for the formation of lists, bribery of voters that affect the results of the will expression at the last election."

Ostap Semerak reiterated that either the Government or any of the members of the Government do not participate in the election. "So it gives us the courage to make decisions that will provide clear will expression of citizens," the official said.

Minister of the Cabinet of Minister expressed the hope that Parliament will support this decision.

In the government bill proposes to strengthen criminal punishment in the form restriction (deprivation) of liberty for crimes such as obstruction of voting rights or the right to participate in the referendum, the work of the election commission or referendum commission or activity official observer; violation of the order of financing the election campaign of a candidate, political party or bloc.

It is also proposed to establish liability for the bribery of a voter, participant of a referendum, determining that under undue advantage should be understood cash or other property, benefits, privileges, services or intangible assets, the value of which exceeds 3% of the minimum wage, which offer, promise, give or receive, without a legitimate reason.