EU Concern over post-electoral process

In a Joint Statement issued by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Füle concern is expressed over irreguarities, delays in the vote count and lack of transparency in the electoral commissions.  These come on top of previous concerns expressed in the OSCE –ODIHR report.

Joint statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Commissioner Štefan Štefan Füle on the parliamentary elections in Ukraine (28 October 2012)

"After our initial statement following 28 October election day in Ukraine, we have followed closely the vote count, tabulation and the announcement of the consolidated results.

We express our concern about the conduct of the post electoral process, which was marred by irregularities, delays in the vote count and lack of transparency in the electoral commissions. This comes in addition to the lack of response to the shortcomings and problems identified already earlier by the OSCE-ODIHR interim reports. Taken together, this represents deterioration in several areas compared to standards previously achieved.

There can be no complacency about electoral irregularities. In line with the public commitment to follow-up on electoral complaints made last week by the Prime Minister of Ukraine, we expect to see swift and determined action by the government and all other relevant state authorities, including by addressing the inconclusive results in five single mandate election districts in dialogue with all political parties represented in the Verkhovna Rada and by bringing the electoral legislation into line with European norms and standards on the basis of an Election Code.

The final composition of the Ukrainian Parliament must reflect the genuine will of the Ukrainian voters.