PACE calls to lower threshold for elections and to allow blocs and convicted to take part in country's political life

The Assembly takes note of the adoption, on 17 November 2011, of the Law of Ukraine on the Election of Peoples Deputies. While welcoming that a number of its previous concerns were addressed, the Assembly regrets that its main recommendations, namely the adoption of a Unified Electoral Code, and the adoption of a regional proportional election system, were not implemented, says the text of PACE resolution regarding electoral legislation, ForUm learned from the press office of PACE.

With regard to the new electoral legislation, the Assembly welcomes the adoption, by a broad consensus and with the participation of the opposition, of the parliamentary electoral law as a first step on the way to unified electoral legislation.

At the same time PACE emphasises that the adoption of this parliamentary elections law should not be used as a pretext for not adopting a Unified Electoral Code, which is still needed to ensure a coherent legal framework for all elections in Ukraine which is fully in line with European standards.

In particular, the document says PACE is concerned that the raising of the threshold for the proportional elections to 5%, combined with the prohibition on parties to form electoral blocs to run in the elections, might negatively affect the opportunities for new or smaller parties to enter parliament. The Assembly is concerned that these provisions could reduce pluralism and further increase polarisation in the new parliament. It recommends that the threshold be lowered and the prohibition on electoral blocs be removed from the electoral legislation before the next parliamentary elections. In order to increase pluralism and encourage participation of national minorities in public life, the Assembly recommends that, when delineating constituencies for the 2012 parliamentary elections, the Central Electoral Commission ensures inclusion in a single constituency of national minority groups who live compactly in certain areas.

According to the resolution, PACE also regrets the provisions included in this law that limit the right to stand for election for anyone convicted of a crime, regardless of the severity of the crime committed. Recognising that these provisions are based on Article 76 of the Constitution of Ukraine, the Assembly proposes to promptly remove them in the framework of the Constitutional Reform process that was recommended by the Assembly.

ForUm

Discuss news in the Forum

One-line news

13:19 In Davos, President Viktor Yanukovych took part in a World Economic Forum session “New Energy Architecture: Enabling an effective transition.”

10:10 In Davos, President Viktor Yanukovych took part in a session of the World Economic Forum titled "Energy for Economic Growth.” During the session, President Yanukovych brought up the issue of energy security of Ukraine, and told about the implementation of new technologies to use alternative and unconventional energy sources in our country.

24 January 2012

13:48 A Ukrainian delegation has left for Washington to hold talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Ukrainian Finance Ministry spokesperson Viktor Kosarchuk has said.

Read all news →

News

22 February 2012

17:50 Russia has no intention to withdrew its fleet from Crimea

17:20 EP says Tymoshenko's release is a key to restore mutual relations, Ukraine's ruling party argues life is not a fairy tale

17:00 NSDC secretary: Ukraine continue daily cooperation with the European Union

16:30 Gazprom accuses Ukraine of consuming gas aimed for Europe

16:00 Ministry of social policy developing strategy on children's rights protection

15:40 Tihipko expects reduction of unemployment level

15:10 Tihipko: Non-payment of taxes to be equated to money laundering in Ukraine

14:45 Speaker Lytvyn wants to raise prestige of military servants

14:30 Parliamentary committee on freedom of speech names a chairman

14:00 Tihipko: Ukraine is not ready for tariff increase

13:30 UN warns of destructive floods and urges better response

13:00 Death rate exceeds birth rate in Ukraine, gap shortens

12:30 Azarov: We must import not goods, but technologies

12:02 Azarov: All country needs to be repaired

11:40 Ukraine may ban imports of goods for budget funds

All news

Top

Editorial staff:english@for-ua.com
Republication or redistribution of ForUm content, including by framing or similar means,
is allowed with the reference to en.for-ua.com only.
All rights are reserved by © LTD. Inter-Media, ForUm 2001-2012