Mr. Chairman,

On 26 October 2014 the early parliamentary elections took place in Ukraine. Despite the grave security challenges and ongoing aggression against my country, millions of Ukrainians went to the polls throughout the country to cast their ballots.

Following the recent presidential elections in May 2014, these parliamentary elections became another crucial step towards unifying the country, implementing democratic reforms and achieving peaceful settlement in the east of Ukraine. The election ballot has proven to be the most powerful tool in the hands of citizens to protect and promote the country and its future.

These elections provided a legitimate and inclusive platform for all citizens to express their resolve for changes through democratic process. The Ukrainian people again reiterated resounding “yes” to the unity of the country, democratic reforms and European aspirations.

The President of Ukraine emphasized that “it was the vote of trust the Ukrainian people gave to the political parties to immediately begin the process of reforms,” and expressed confidence on formation of a pro-European coalition in the Parliament, which will begin the implementation of the Ukraine-EU Association Agreement and modernization of the state without delay.

According to the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE/ODIHR-led International Election Observation Mission, “elections marked an important step in Ukraine’s aspirations to consolidate democratic elections in line with its international commitments. There were many positive points to the process, such as an impartial and efficient Central Election Commission, an amply contested election that offered voters real choice, and a general respect for fundamental freedoms. Voting and counting were transparent and assessed positively overall.” These findings reflect a strong commitment of Ukraine to democracy and elections as an important instrument for free expression of the people’s will.

An overall turnout reached 52,4% of voters. The Central Election Commission of Ukraine by now completed electronic tabulation of results of the early parliamentary elections. 6 out of 29 political parties participating in the elections will be represented in the Verkhovna Rada of the 8th convocation: Political party "Narodnyy Front" (22% of votes), Party "Blok Petra Poroshenka" (21% of votes), Political party “Samopomich Union” (11% of votes), Political party "Opozytsiynyy blok" (9% of votes), Radical Party of Oleg Liashko (7% of votes), All-Ukrainian Union "Batkivshchyna" (5% of votes).

There will be a high number of new politicians, representatives of the civil society and advocacy groups. It gives confidence that newly elected parliament will decisively pursue the chosen path towards deep and comprehensive reforms in the political, economic, military, and social spheres. New parliamentary coalition is about to be set soon and there’s no doubt it will consolidate such efforts.

In most of the country, the election day proceeded calmly, despite challenging security environment marked by the illegal annexation of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol by the Russian Federation, and the ongoing hostilities and intimidations by illegal armed groups in the east of the country.

During these elections Russia yet again proved its commitment to pursue the policy of double standards. On the one hand, Russian officials underline the importance of holding inclusive national dialogue in Ukraine. On the other, its aggressive actions in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, illegal occupation of Crimea deprived citizens of Ukraine of their constitutional right to cast ballots, freely and democratically elect their legitimate representatives.

However, owing to dedicated efforts of the election administration and measures adopted to simplify voting procedures for residents and internally displaced persons from these regions, voting took place in 12 of the 21 election districts in Donetsk oblast and in 5 of the 11 districts in Luhansk oblast. Crimean Tatar community and other citizens were too intimidated by increased repressions against them in Crimea to travel outside the territory of peninsula on the election day.

Let me underline that another step towards the establishment of a unified system of the state powers in Ukraine will be holding local elections in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions on December 7. Only these elections will comply with the Ukrainian legislation and only these elections will be recognized.

Mr. Chairman,

Ukraine highly appreciates the broad international observation at the early parliamentary elections on 26 October 2014 with over 2,000 observers from international organizations and foreign States, including the large-scale election observation mission by the OSCE/ODIHR.

We welcome the statement on the preliminary findings and conclusions of international election observation. We will further carefully review the conclusions and recommendations of the Final Report with a view to continuing improvement of electoral legislation and practices.

Distinguished colleagues,

As recognized by the international observers, the early parliamentary elections in Ukraine were conducted in a democratic manner in accordance with the national legislation, OSCE commitments and internationally recognized standards. 

The successful conduct of these elections is a crucially important step in consolidating the democratic progress of Ukraine and inclusive political dialogue at national level, ensuring political and economic stability of Ukraine, as well as reaffirms Ukraine’s commitment to the reform process.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.