Brussels, 27/10/2015 (Agence Europe) - On Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 October, Europeans hailed the smooth conduct of local elections in Ukraine on Sunday 25 October, while calling for elections to take place as soon as possible in cities controlled by the government, where they have not been able to be held.
“The local elections held in Ukraine on Sunday are another important step in the consolidation of the country's democratic governance, following the presidential and parliamentary elections of last year”, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stated. Mentioning the preliminary report by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the spokesperson said that the elections had been “well organised overall” and that “the campaign generally showed respect for the democratic process”. In the view of the head of the European Parliament's electoral observation mission, Andrej Plenkovic (EPP, Croatia), the elections were carried out “largely” in line with international standards and the vote took place in a calm and orderly way in the cities visited.
“Nevertheless, additional efforts are needed to further enhance the integrity of and public confidence in the electoral process”, Mogherini's spokesperson said. For example, the OSCE highlighted the complexity of the legal framework, the domination of powerful economic groups over the electoral process and the lack of media independence. The OSCE also received numerous allegations of votes being bought, and candidates were threatened or attacked physically. “We are convinced that all the actors concerned will vigorously address the shortfalls identified in the electoral process and will implement the recommendations” of the OSCE, Plenkovic added.
Mogherini's spokesperson regretted the fact that it had not been possible to hold elections for security reasons in certain territories controlled by the government in the regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, and that elections had not been held in Mariupol, Krasnoarmiisk and Svatove due to incorrect ballot papers. “Elections in these cities should be held as a matter of priority to ensure citizens can also exercise their voting rights”, said Mogherini's spokesperson.
Due to the conflict in East Ukraine and the illegal annexation of Crimea, over 5 million voters did not have the opportunity to vote in these territories, according to the EU. Elections are expected take place in Donetsk and Luhansk in early 2016 (see EUROPE 11403). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)