Roadmap for ensuring organization of postwar elections in Ukraine
EPDE member Civil Network OPORA has prepared its own expert vision of electoral process, which takes into account the results of previous professional discussions with official parties (Verkhovna Rada, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Central Election Commission). OPORA calls on the Parliament to hold substantive discussions in order to find systemic solutions, given the need to […]
An Expert Opinion On The Key Challenges For The Exercise Of Voting Rights Of Women As A Vulnerable Group Of Voters
(Original article published by Civil Network OPORA) Introduction Usually, in a society that is considered democratic or aspires to become such, views on the role and significance of certain social groups transform. For many decades, women have been fighting for their rights and the opportunity to take an active part in political life. Ukraine is […]
The Ramp Alone Is Not A Solution For Accessibility: Inclusion Options in the Post-War Electoral Process Discussed in Kyiv
(Original article published by Civil Network OPORA) The Electoral Code adopted in 2019 guarantees the accessibility of the election process for people with disabilities and low-mobility citizens. However, polling stations in Ukraine still remain non-inclusive, while the number of people with disabilities is growing due to Russian aggression against Ukraine, with infrastructure being destroyed. These […]
Level Up: How Politicians And Parties Can (Not) Campaign Among Ukrainians Abroad
By Olha Snopok, Civil Network OPORA On August 19, 2024, Volodymyr Zelenskyi suggested establishing the Ministry of Unity. According to the President’s plan, this institution should “bring back 7.5 million Ukrainians” who left abroad due to Russia’s full-scale invasion and still stay there. If the ministry comes to life its team will face a difficult […]
Who can be disqualified to stand for elections in the post-conflict period, and how
Restrictions on the exercise of the right to be elected following the consequences of the occupation: international standards and discussions on the introduction in Ukraine Article by Civil Network OPORA Background Political rights are designed to enable the participation of citizens in the socio-political life of the country and the management of public affairs. They can […]
Electoral Campaign Finances Reform: What Recommendations of International Observation Missions Were Taken Into Account?
By Bohdan Mohonchuk, Civil Network OPORA For years, Civil Network OPORA has been advocating changes in political finance, as well as engaging in surveys and awareness raising effort in this domain. On July 30, 2024, a discussion took place regarding amendments to the legislation about responsibility for violating the political finances rules. Also, recently, the research was published regarding political parties funding and the […]
Report on the practice of accountability for participation in the conduct and organization of illegal referendums and elections
Introduction In 2014, russia occupied the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. In 2022, they continued their armed aggression against Ukraine with a full-scale invasion, expanding the occupation and seizing certain territories of Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions. Illegal referendums and elections are an integral part of the Russian war […]
Foreign Influence, Disinformation, AI, and Illegal Actions in Digital: What Threatens the Integrity of Political Finance
Money is an essential resource for politics and voter outreach. However, if not effectively regulated, it can compromise the integrity of political processes and democracies. Effective state regulation of funding of political parties and election campaigns (commonly known as political finance) and their implementation are vital for promoting the integrity, transparency, and accountability of democratic […]
Analysis of Draft Laws Amending the Electoral Code
Lawyers of the Civil Network OPORA have produced an analysis of the provisions of draft laws amending the Electoral Code of Ukraine to combat sexism in electoral processes and ensure balanced representation of women and men in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and local councils. Introduction On May 27, 2024, the Parliament registered a draft […]
Ukrainian authorities’ legitimacy when elections are impossible: Part II
In the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the political system has fronted ‘militant democracy,’ compelling authorities to protect Ukraine’s democratic regime and strengthen its defenses. While Part I of the Ukraine Policy Alert “Ukrainian authorities’ legitimacy when elections are impossible” examined the limitations imposed by a full-scale war on the […]