President of Ukraine to Meet the Opposition to Ensure Transparency of October 31 Elections

KIEV, Ukraine, October 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- The President of Ukraine Victor Yanukovych announced he will hold a meeting with the representatives of the opposition parties to ensure the transparency of the October 31 local elections. This statement from the Ukrainian Head of State came today during his meeting with the governors of Ukraine's regions devoted to the upcoming local elections. Mr Yanukovych stressed that the executive power must not interfere with the electoral process and that it has a duty to assist all political forces without exception.

During the meeting President Yanukovych stated that the upcoming local elections, scheduled for October 31, will be a test for the Ukraine's democracy and that he will react swiftly to any violations of the electoral process. Mr Yanukovych noted that he is aware of representatives of the executive power interfering in the elections process and said that this practice is unacceptable and that he expects the elections to be held in accordance with the rule of law.

"We have to ensure that our citizens are given an opportunity to vote without any administrative pressure or interference," said the President of Ukraine. "Some political forces have lost or are losing the credibility of the Ukrainian people, and they exaggerate the existing electoral problems, wishing to justify their low ratings. They do it not only inside the country but discredit it abroad, they damage the image of our country," he added.

Responding to such allegations, the President pledged to remove the principle of political expediency from the electoral process and stressed that the rule of law will prevail. The President stated that every governor must have a copy of the law on local elections on their desk to ensure they work strictly within the framework of law.

SOURCE Press Office of the President of Ukraine