Особливості дотримання демократичних принципів виборів під час позачергових президентських та парламентських виборів 2014 р. в Україні

Abstract

На основі аналізу звітів міжнародних та вітчизняних спостерігачів досліджуються основні проблеми та особливості позачергових президентських та парламентських виборів 2014 р. в Україні. З’ясовано рівень дотримання демократичних принципів виборів у вітчизняній електоральній практиці 2014 р. The article dwells upon main problems and characteristics of special presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine in 2014. The research is based on the reports of international and national observers. The main attention is paid to the following problems of national electoral practice in 2014: holding the election on the whole territory of Ukraine; compiling registry of voters; formation and activity of election commissions; nomination and registration of electoral subjects; pre-election campaigning; election transparency; problems during the voting process and vote counting. The emphasis is put on the fact that, despite tough conditions, the elections were an important step in an attempt of Ukrainian authorities to conduct elections in compliance with international democratic standards and ensure implementation of fundamental human rights and freedoms. Growth of adherence to democratic principles was enabled by different factors, among which the following ones are worth mentioning: substitution of political elite; the campaign towards reformation and democratization of political system; social and political situation in the country; growth of political consciousness and culture of the citizens as a result of the Revolution of Dignity. At the same time, the article highlights that certain problems and violations demand taking into account proposals of international and national experts which are directed towards democratization of electoral practices. The main attention should be paid to adaptation of electoral legislation and electoral practices to the reality of military conflict in the East of Ukraine and security issues for participants of the election process; increasing of election transparency; providing professional and efficient work of election commissions; adoption of the Electoral Code, etc.