On 27 March 2015, a public discussion titled "Electoral reform: transparent financing and meaningful campaigning" was held. The event was organized by the Internews Ukraine NGO, Civil Network OPORA, Ukrainian Center for Independent Political Research, and Reanimation Package of Reforms (RPR) in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems.

 

The discussion covered 2 issues: campaigning and financing of electoral process. According to election financing experts, Ukrainian election campaigns are among the most expensive in Europe. 70-80% of campaign funds are spent on political advertising. As a result, parties and candidates depend on oligarchs who finance their campaigns. Thus, it's possible to decrease electoral expenditures by prohibiting political advertising and, in such a way, minimize the influence of oligarchs.

Besides that, the experts suggested to introduce interim financial reporting. They are convinced that the transparency of expenditures can be increased in such a way. They suggested that parties should publish such reports on websites of the CEC and the corresponding TECs before the election day in advance. Such reports should include sources of income, amounts of contributions, and expenditure items. Besides that, there should be a limitation for single transfers, according to the experts, but it's better not to establish limits for total campaign funds. All this information will help the voters to make a well-weighted and conscious decision.

Most of discussion participants spoke in favor of prohibition or substantial limitation of advertising on TV and radio, as well as outdoor advertising. However, the experts believe it's worth to leave advertising in printed mass media.

They have also advised to cut a number of products and services which the state provides to candidates and parties. For example, free speech in TV and radio, placement of electoral programs in state and communal mass media, and production of information posters for polling stations.

 

 

 

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