Police officers have opened a criminal investigation into the possible bribery of voters in the town of Kreminna, Luhansk oblast. This was reported by representatives of OPORA in Luhansk oblast.
In particular, on October 4, police officers have found grocery packages and voter lists when inspecting a store in the town of Kreminna. They believe it resembles an organization of voter bribery scheme in support of a political party and candidate for the mayor of Kreminna.
On the very same day, police identified witnesses and individuals who had already received groceries. Law enforcement officers also identify all persons who may be involved in the organization of voter bribery scheme.
According to the Head of Communications Department at the Main Department of the National Police in Luhansk oblast Tetyana Pohukai, investigation is currently being carried outs a part of criminal proceedings initiated under Article 160(4) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine ("Bribery of a voter, referendum participant"), aimed to study all the circumstances of the offense. Luhansk Oblast Prosecutor's Office provides procedural guidance.
Photo: Luhansk Oblast Police
According to the Criminal Code of Ukraine this offense is punished with imprisonment from 5 to 7 years.
We would like to remind that OPORA's observers witnessed two cases of organized transportation of residents from different cities within the oblast to re-register them in the State Voter Register Maintenance Body in Kreminna.
Election Observation Coordinator at Civil Network OPORA in Luhansk oblast Oleksii Kormiletskyi says:
"I haven't seen a single voter bribery case being brought to a logical ending, i.e. conviction of guilty individuals, and organizers of bribery in particular, over the last 10 years. However, the fact that information about possible bribery is entered into the Unified Register of Pre-trial Investigations and the bribery itself is stopped has a great impact on the course of election campaign and returning it into the scope of fair play."
For comment, please contact:
Oleksii Kormiletskyi, Election Observation Coordinator at Civil Network OPORA in Luhansk oblast
tel.: 0502752808
email: [email protected]
Reference: OPORA's observation is aimed to provide impartial assessment of election administration and process, facilitate free and fair election, and prevent violations. Civil Network OPORA has been realizing a wide-scale observation of regular local elections, to be held on October 25. We have deployed 188 observers nationwide, and short-term observers will join them on the Election Day. OPORA also monitors the use of budget resources for indirect campaigning, and civic ombudsmen inspect polling premises in terms of accessibility, as well as protect voting rights of citizens.
(#вибори; #opora; #опора)