OSCE final report on Oct. 28 parliamentary election cites need for improved transparency, fairness

 The final report by
the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights  on
the Oct. 28 parliamentary elections in Ukraine concludes the
elections were characterized by the lack of a level playing field, and
recommends measures to improve the transparency and impartiality of the
election process.

The report, issued on Jan. 3, notes that the elections were
marked by the abuse of state resources, lack of transparency of campaign
and party financing and the lack of balanced media coverage.

While the electoral law adopted in November 2011 contains a number of
improvements and could provide a sound foundation for the conduct of
democratic elections if properly implemented, the report says that
further improvements are required in order to fully comply with OSCE and
other international commitments. Issues cited include the full
enjoyment of candidacy rights, adequate campaign finance provisions and
more effective sanctions for serious violations of the law.

The inability of main opposition leaders to stand as candidates,
following their convictions in trials that were criticized by a number
of European parliamentary institutions as unfair, negatively affected
the election process and contradicts OSCE commitments, the report
states.

To enhance the transparency, impartiality and independence of the
work of election commissions, the report recommends that all sessions of
election commissions should be public, with no meetings held behind
closed doors.  

It also concludes that institutional mechanisms could be strengthened
for monitoring possible abuse of administrative resources for campaign
purposes, including the use of official events for campaigning, and
holding accountable those responsible.

Other recommendations address ensuring balanced media coverage of the
elections, increasing the transparency and accountability of party and
campaign financing and simplifying the process for resolving electoral
disputes.