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OSCE/ODIHR deploys large-scale election observation mission to monitor repeat voting in Ukraine
KYIV 16 December 2004
KYIV, 16 December 2004 - The OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) has extended its election observation mission in Ukraine to follow the repeat of the second round of the presidential election scheduled for 26 December. Over 1,000 observers will follow election day proceedings, making this the largest OSCE/ODIHR mission ever. The repeat vote was scheduled following a ruling of the Ukrainian Supreme Court and a subsequent decision of the Central Election Commission on 4 December.
"After the flawed elections of 21 November, amendments were made to the electoral legislation and administration to reduce the potential for electoral violations. This is important. However, it is the commitment to democracy of all those involved in the electoral process countrywide that will determine the significance of these changes," said Ambassador Geert-Hinrich Ahrens, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR mission.
"To meet the challenge of holding an election within the time given, the election administration will require the full support of the state authorities. The media also have a crucial role to play in ensuring that voters throughout the country have access to impartial information," Ambassador Ahrens added.
The observation mission originally deployed for the first two rounds of voting on 31 October and 21 November consisted of 12 international experts, 45 long-term observers, and some 600 short-term observers. Having been expanded for the repeat vote, the mission now has 25 international experts and 55 long-term observers who will be joined by more than 1,000 short-term observers prior to election day.
As in the first two rounds, the mission will continue to monitor the electoral process to assess compliance with OSCE commitments, other international standards for democratic elections, and national legislation. It will analyse the election campaign, respect for fundamental freedoms, the media, the legislative framework, the election administration, and the resolution of election-related disputes. On election day, short-term observers will follow voting procedures, counting of the ballots, and the tabulation of results at all levels.
The OSCE/ODIHR mission, together with four parliamentary delegations, will issue a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions on the day after the election. A comprehensive final report on the election will be released approximately six weeks after the completion of the electoral process.
For more information, please visit the link below.
"After the flawed elections of 21 November, amendments were made to the electoral legislation and administration to reduce the potential for electoral violations. This is important. However, it is the commitment to democracy of all those involved in the electoral process countrywide that will determine the significance of these changes," said Ambassador Geert-Hinrich Ahrens, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR mission.
"To meet the challenge of holding an election within the time given, the election administration will require the full support of the state authorities. The media also have a crucial role to play in ensuring that voters throughout the country have access to impartial information," Ambassador Ahrens added.
The observation mission originally deployed for the first two rounds of voting on 31 October and 21 November consisted of 12 international experts, 45 long-term observers, and some 600 short-term observers. Having been expanded for the repeat vote, the mission now has 25 international experts and 55 long-term observers who will be joined by more than 1,000 short-term observers prior to election day.
As in the first two rounds, the mission will continue to monitor the electoral process to assess compliance with OSCE commitments, other international standards for democratic elections, and national legislation. It will analyse the election campaign, respect for fundamental freedoms, the media, the legislative framework, the election administration, and the resolution of election-related disputes. On election day, short-term observers will follow voting procedures, counting of the ballots, and the tabulation of results at all levels.
The OSCE/ODIHR mission, together with four parliamentary delegations, will issue a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions on the day after the election. A comprehensive final report on the election will be released approximately six weeks after the completion of the electoral process.
For more information, please visit the link below.