The choice, made by the Ukrainian people on October 28, will determine the situation inUkraineat least for the next few years. Oleh Levchenko, the Regional Coordinator of long-term election observation, dwells on the peculiarities of this year Parliamentary elections in Vinnytsia region, which does not run to political extremes of eastern or westernUkraine.
- Taking into consideration the experience of previous elections, did the society benefit from the monitoring conducted by OPORA?
Yes, it did, because there were incidents, when the violations were stopped and it worked out. Also, international organizations take into account our observations, and it is important because we try to grasp the electoral field in the most objective way. We try to help ordinary citizens to make sense of the situation. Also, we try to show the large-scale picture, in order not to see only our own constituency but the whole country. In order to see what exactly happens during the elections, are they democratic, whether it is supported by facts. To see the positions of certain political powers and players in "political drama". Each year these processes take place in our country and we take part in the permanent election races. It seems like elections never end.
- Have you succeeded in preventing or recording the incidents of falsification? Did you help anyone to restore the justice?
On average, the assessed value of the candidate's campaign ranges from 1 to 5 million USD
During the previous election campaign the observers did not have the right to appeal the district commission’s decisions concerning the violations. They had the right only to observe. However, we were notifying the local party organizations and did our best to influence the situation, appealed to the Prosecutor. Consequently, the reported incidents were checked. In fact, in Vinnytsia oblast we did not have the incidents, which could enable us to say "after this event the candidate was dismissed, the results of the voting were canceled, etc." However, a lot of such incidents were noticed all over Ukraine.
- What is so special about the parliamentary elections 2012?
The elections will have two layers - majoritarian and party layer. In order to receive the deputy’s mandate, the candidates should compete for the votes of 100 000 or 150 000 people. And this competition evolves to the level of extreme interaction and heated confrontation. It is connected with the high costs of the campaign. On average, the assessed value of the candidate's campaign ranges from 1 to 5 million USD. I think that there will be a lot of examples of divide between the political parties' candidates and favorites of the races. Not necessarily the representatives of the leading parties will be the key players in the single member constituencies. It feels like in the East and in the South the people form the united opposition will be nominated as non-aligned and non-party candidates, and it will give them some advantages. In the West it will be vice versa - most of the candidates will be from parties , which oppose the Party of Regions. The nominal representative in the list of the Party of Regions in majoritarian district and the real favorite of this political power may not coincide. An important component is that the single member candidates may be accused of all the problems connected with the violations of election process. They will be accused of not having any political culture. However, a lot of things will be "directed" by both political powers. I wish this region game would not make mischief between people, would not create a conflict situation, where people would be against each other. In fact, these contradictions do not exist in the region.
- Are there any peculiarities in Vinnytsia region, which differ from other regions?
Vinnytsia region is a litmus paper of elections. It is on the edge, different from the eastern and western regions. Vinnytsia region keeps its moderate and balanced stand. The prevailing rural population in a way complicates the election campaign. There is a need to go "from door to door" more often. The campaign in the countryside is specific, it requires more meetings. The candidates should meet people more and use media less. The one who organizes more meetings will have more chances, because people want to see those they are voting for.
The campaign in the countryside is specific, it requires more meetings
- Which political phenomena or attitudes are characteristic for Vinnytsia region?
It is hard to believe the researches conducted by the candidates form political parties and blocs. Usually they are the elements of the manipulative strategies. However, on the other hand, it is clearly seen that there is a certain divide: in the cities the government has more support, while in the countryside the attitudes are more oppositional. Just recall the last elections: the Party of Regions received the biggest amount of votes in Zhmerynka, Koziatyn, Mohylev-Podilskyi. For opposition these results were unexpected. Properly speaking, the Part of Regions and Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc are rather personifications of the leaders. Today a lot of people have not decided yet. It is possible that the "color" of majoritarian candidates will be extremely different from the nationwide voting for this or that political power. It will be the peculiarity of the election campaign in Vinnytsia oblast this year.
- What kind of propositions does OPORA forward to the political powers and candidates? Are there any candidates, who agreed to cooperate, in order to provide the transparency of elections?
During the press conference we forwarded an open letter to all the subjects of the election campaign, in which we encouraged them to join the monitoring process and report about the violations. Few candidates also asked for our support. Also, we have asked the potential candidates to announce their income resources. We would like the potential candidates to make their budgets, income and campaign resources public. In a way it would show the openness, transparency and responsible representation of the interests of communities. The openness is the first sign of honesty of the future candidate.
- Are there any organizations, which can cooperate with OPORA in Vinnytsia region?
We have already discussed the cooperation with Vinnytsia Human Rights Group (VHRG). If to talk about the format, VHRG is ready to provide the legal assistance. I think that in future the joint projects on observation and protection from pressure and falsification will be possible.
- In case of need, how is it better to contact the representatives of OPORA? Do you have a hotline?
On the web site of OPORA there is contact information of all regional coordinators.
- I suppose you have advices not only for the candidates but also for the voters?
It is necessary that the people read the law on elections, come to elections and try to take an active stand - to wait for the results of the voting at the polling stations. Today the main principle of campaign will be an attempt to protect your voice, to be persistent and ready to uphold your voice, which was dropped in a ballot box. The people will be responsible for this campaign, for the choice and for all that will happen during the next few years. If we do not defend our voices, we will lose a chance to have dignified country and economy at all.