Verkhovna Rada adopted Government's law on strengthening responsibility for violating citizens' electoral rights

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted the Law “On amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine” (re strengthening responsibility for violating citizens’ electoral rights)” (№4741).

Introducing the bill, Prime Minister of Ukraine Arseniy Yatsenyuk stressed that the main issue of the election process is "transparent, fair and democratic elections."

He has recalled that the presidential elections were conducted in accordance with all standards of the OSCE and the international community recognized the election of the President of Ukraine, which took place a few months ago, as democratic: "Now we have to follow the same path for the democratic and transparent electoral process during the voting on October 26, 2014 for the new composition of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine."

"Unfortunately, the current criminal procedure and criminal law provide no clear responsibility for voters’ bribery, falsification of election documents, seizure of ballot boxes and actually falsification of the election process. That is why the Government of Ukraine two months ago has prepared amendments to the Criminal Code of Ukraine to strengthen accountability for violations of human rights during elections," the Prime Minister emphasized.

According o him, the law, introduces "specific, clear responsibility" for bribery, falsifying election documents, fake ballots and protocols, illegal seizure of ballot boxes and "any attempts to falsify elections."

"Bribery of voters is the main problem. This should be prosecuted by law. Those who distribute buckwheat and condensed milk should consume buckwheat and condensed milk in jail instead of buying the voters," Arseniy Yatsenyuk said.

The adoption of this law, the Prime Minister stressed, allows Ukraine to choose a fair and democratic Parliament.