ODIHR visits Ukraine to discuss electoral recommendations

Experts from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) presented the final reports and recommendations of the observation missions to the 2019 presidential and early parliamentary elections in Ukraine during a visit to Kyiv from 21 to 24 January 2020.

ODIHR’s priority recommendations discussed with key electoral stakeholders included revising the method of formation of election commissions, strengthening legal provisions on electoral offenses, simplifying the system of electoral dispute resolution and strengthening campaign finance regulation. ODIHR experts took note of the recent legislative changes but underlined that the new Election Code and other relevant laws would benefit from further review and reform. 

The recommendations were discussed with representatives of the Central Election Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Agency for Prevention of Corruption and other government ministries and agencies, as well as with representatives of civil society organizations, political parties and the international community.

“Directly discussing our findings and recommendations with Ukrainian partners helps us reflect together on specific initiatives to enhance the conduct of democratic elections,” said Ambassador Albert Jonsson, Head of ODIHR’s Election Observation Mission to the 2019 early parliamentary elections. “We look forward to the next steps that the authorities will take to follow up on the recommendations and to identify ways ODIHR can offer assistance.”

The issues discussed in this regard included ODIHR’s potential engagement in providing legal and technical expertise, including a review of the unified electoral code, and technical assistance related to election dispute resolution, campaign finance, the implementation of new voting technologies and the development of training curricula for election officials.

“Discussing ODIHR’s recommendations during this visit as a signal of the importance attached by the authorities to enhancing the country’s electoral process,” said Alexander Shlyk, Head of the ODIHR Election Department. “The Ukrainian authorities can rely on ODIHR’s support and expertise as they move forward in following up on electoral recommendations, especially in the short window until the next elections.”

All OSCE participating States have committed to promptly following up on ODIHR electoral assessments and recommendations.