The Group of observers from the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM was invited to monitor the extraordinary parliamentary elections to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which took place on October 26, 2014.
The Group included the following officials: Deputies of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova Mr. A. Dimitriu (the Head of Parliamentary Assembly of GUAM and the Head of the Group of observers) and O. Bodrug; Deputies of the Parliament of Georgia Mr. N. Ebanoidze, Mr. G. Popkhadze, Mr. D. Sakvarelidze, and Mr. V. Lemonjava; and GUAM Secretary General Mr. V. Chechelashvili, who coordinated the Group of Observers.
Based on the results of observing 37 (thirty seven) polling sites in the 221st, 212nd, 216th, 221st, and 223rd electoral precincts of the city of Kyiv, and also at (five) polling sites in the 94th electoral precinct of the city of Vasylkiv, the Group of GUAM Observers have decided to issue the following Statement:
The parliamentary election to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine was organised and held in accordance with international commitments and standards for democratic elections, including commitments and standards in relation to the OSCE and the Council of Europe, and also in accordance with national legislation and the rules and procedures elaborated by the Central Election Commission of Ukraine.
Despite the high level of competitiveness, the elections took place in a calm and orderly atmosphere.
With respect to the overall voting process, the organisation of the elections and the commissions’ activities at polling sites, the remarks on the individual polling stations monitored by the GUAM Group of observers are not of a fundamental nature and cannot significantly affect the voting results.
The Group of GUAM Observers is satisfied with results of its election monitoring. In general, these elections can be evaluated positively as being both free and fair.
Kyiv, October 27, 2014
