Authorities in Cherkasy city traditionally continue fighting against the peaceful gatherings in a special manner.
During 2010 election campaign a football ground was allocated on the central square right in front of the Oblast State Administration, thus, the citizens could not physically exercise their rights. This time the “old-new” methods were used again. First, the celebration of Ivana Kupala took place on the square for the first time. Right afterwards, a souvenir market was unexpectedly located on the same square and also for the first time. And from 16 July until 10 September Soborna square will host the market of school goods. It is important to mention that each year the market of school goods was situated on different territories and its location on Soborna square is a new practice. Thus, in accordance to the appeal of Valeriy Chernyak (the Head of Cherkasy Oblast Council) Cherkasy District Administrative Court made a decision to prohibit all political actions on Soborna square from 16 July until 10 September. It was explained that “holding the aforementioned market and meetings, rallies, demonstrations, and other peaceful gatherings at the same time can cause the violations of civil order and security of the citizens.”
At the moment the tents of Svoboda and Fatherland are set up on the square. About ten tents are used to sell backpacks and office equipment. In addition, a children’s trampoline was placed in the middle of the square.
Let’s wait and see what the authorities will organize on Soborna square after 10 September.
Reference:
Civic monitoring conducted by OPORA - is a type of network activity, aimed at impartial assessment of the preparation and conduct of elections, as well as preventing violations through comprehensive civic action. Professional monitoring at all stages of the election process indirectly influences the quality of the campaign. The public opinion, both foreign and domestic is formed through gathering and spreading of information among the target audience. From a strategic perspective public monitoring of elections focuses upon improving the system and certain procedures. In 2012, during Parliamentary elections in Ukraine OPORA implements a large-scale campaign of long- and short term observation, organizes a statistical vote-count by the results of voting with the proportional component of the electoral system on a basis of representative selection, will provide 100% coverage of polling stations by observers in separate single-mandate majoritarian districts. OPORA observers will work in all 225 electoral districts, and 3,500 activists will join them on the voting day. Organization will use the latest means of spreading information about observation results, including infographics and interactive maps.