Ukraine’s main election watchdogs call for total boycott of Crimean “referendum”

Given that western media continue to use the term referendum to describe the planned vote on March 16 in the Crimea, it is worth noting that Ukraine’s two main election watchdogs are calling for its total boycott.

In a joint statement, the Committee of Voters of Ukraine [CVU] and OPORA stressed that Crimea’s parliament did not have the right to decide on the so-called referendum, and the timeframe allowed (10 days) was not in accordance with international standards.

They therefore state that they do not recognize the planned “referendum” as legitimate, and will not take part in observing it.  They call on all Ukrainian, foreign and international organizations to refrain from sending observers.  Any participation will be seen as an attempt to give legitimacy to a process which is not in accordance with Ukrainian or international law.

The document to be voted on this Sunday can (and should) be viewed here: http://khpg.org/1394204790

It provides no option of retaining the status quo and one of the two options is likely to not be understood, leaving the choice of joining Russia. 

The Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars has not been swayed by the declaration of support for reinstatement of the Crimean Tatars’ rights passed by the Crimean parliament under the self-proclaimed premiership of Sergei Aksenov on Tuesday.  It is continuing to call on Crimean Tatars and other residents of the Crimea to boycott the event.