The head of the EU delegation to Ukraine Hugues Mingarelli draws the attention of the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Andrew Parubiy on the need for a speedy change of the electoral system in Ukraine and the new composition of the Central election Commission.
“The basis of open democracy lies open electoral process, which is probably the most important basic pillar of public access to the government system. And, of course, Ukraine needs a long time to implement the reform process of the electoral legislation and update the Central election Commission”, – Mingarelli said, opening the Global conference of the openness of state authorities on Friday in Kiev.
“I know, Mr. paruby, that for You it is not a surprise, but for us it’s really very important that you (Ukraine – Ed.) rapid progress in these two important areas,” he added.
As reported, President of Ukraine introduced to the Verkhovna Rada a draft resolution on the appointment of the CEC members 11 people. Relevant document No. 4790 published on the parliamentary portal 3 July 2016. He also introduced a draft resolution on the dismissal of 12 members of the CEC, including the head Mikhail Okhendovsky. Then the leader of the faction “Block of Petro Poroshenko” Igor Hryniv said that the Parliament has not yet found a consensus on the issue of election of new composition of the CEC.
October 3, 2016, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Andriy paruby announced the intention to appeal to the President Petro Poroshenko with a proposal to re-introduce the idea of appointing members of the Central election Commission.
On 25 November the speaker of the Parliament stated that the President is willing, if necessary, modify the proposed candidates to the new composition of the CEC. “The consultations. The day before yesterday I once again on this occasion had a conversation with the President. We agreed on certain positions. The President is ready to debate, ready to go to replace a particular candidate from the list which is, to the Verkhovna Rada a positive vote,” – said A. paruby.
As is known, 12 of the 15 members of the CEC, seven-year term expired on June 1, 2014, but they continue to perform their duties on the basis of changes in the law of Ukraine “On Central election Commission”, which was amended in March 2014 to ensure continuity of the election process during the presidential election campaign.
According to the Constitution of Ukraine, the Verkhovna Rada appoints and dismisses the members of the CEC upon recommendation of the President.
