G7 ambassadors made a joint statement in support of electoral reform in Ukraine, which is a key guarantee for realization of Ukraine's potential, and called for a renewal of the Central Election Commission's membership in 2017 by filling 13 expired seats.
The ambassadors welcomed the adoption of the Election Code #3112-1 by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and emphasized that it's high time for an electoral reform, to have a year for its realization before 2019 elections.
“We believe that there is still room for a transparent, inclusive and consultative process before the second reading in order to further enhance democratic representation, including through effective sanctions for violations of election laws and for the abuse of state resources, to increase political participation and representation of vulnerable and minority groups, including women and internally displaced persons, and to accelerate political finance reform,” – says the statement.
G7 ambassadors also called for the substitution of Central Election Commission's (CEC) membership through the appointment of 13 new commission members in place of members, whose office had expired. This will allow to create a politically balanced election commission with strong long-term authority, working with the help of a modern election administration mechanism.
“We strongly believe that electoral reforms, in line with relevant international commitments and standards, are pivotal to realizing Ukraine’s full potential. Effective and credible electoral processes, and the resulting legitimacy of elected institutions and leaders, will have a profound impact on long-term democratic strengthening, political stability, and economic progress,” – said G7 ambassadors in their statement.
Civil Network OPORA welcomes the statement made by G7 ambassadors and hopes that Ukrainian President and Parliament understand that not only Ukrainian civil society watches the Verkhovna Rada, but also the whole civilized world. OPORA would like to emphasize one more time that there should be a comprehensive consensus concerning the CEC members with consideration of nominees from all parliamentary factions and groups.