Statement of the PACE pre-electoral delegation to Ukraine on the result of visit to Ukraine

The PACE delegation is convinced that Ukraine needs a democratic and credible presidential election to establish legitimate political authority. In this connection the mission calls on all Ukrainian citizens, whatever their political convictions or linguistic and regional sensibilities, to play an active part in the election campaign and to participate in the forthcoming election. The PACE delegation declares that any external interference in the domestic affairs of Ukraine and in the electoral process should be excluded, in order to guarantee the people’s freedom to vote.

The PACE delegation noted that significant changes have been made to the legal framework for the election which could improve its credibility. Moreover, they positively evaluated the work of the Central Election Commission that is functioning normally; its sessions are open for observers, media and candidates’ representatives.

Moreover, the PACE mission welcomes efforts of the Ukrainian authorities directed to ensuring access to the closest polling stations for the citizens “whose homes are occupied, such as in Crimea, or are the subject of armed interference, such as in the regions of Donetsk and Lugansk”.

The pre-electoral delegation emphasizes certain flaws remain, in particular with regard to financing the electoral campaigns, lack of transparency of media ownership. The PACE mission asks the authorities to provide journalists and others in the media with effective protection.

In addition, the delegation points out that the election campaign environment “has been affected by tensions, and the interference of armed groups influenced by the Russian authorities, particularly in the eastern regions”. It has been noted that the candidates should have equal opportunities to exchange ideas with the electorate and inform them about their programs, access to media and opportunity to hold their campaigns in the regions of Ukraine pursuant to the Ukrainian legislation.

The Parliamentary Assembly will send a 52-member delegation to observe the early presidential election on 25 May 2014.