The document analyzes violations of electoral rights that occurred during elections in liberated territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts in Ukraine. It describes violations during the 2014 extraordinary presidential and parliamentary elections, as well as the 2015 local elections, including obstacles to voting, violence against election officials, and criminal interference. The document highlights issues preventing internally displaced persons from exercising their right to vote and proposes solutions like allowing voters to change their voting address without changing their official place of residence, to integrate displaced people into their new communities while preserving electoral rights.
The next presidential election in Ukraine is scheduled for March 31st, 2019. The electoral campaign was launched on December 31st 2019, in accordance with the legislation.
On January 18th 2019 the “Uspishna Varta” human rights platform received permission from the CEC to have its official election observers. Observation is carried out through the work of more than 50 long-term and short-term observers in constituencies; interviews with representatives of candidate headquarters, election commissions, the media community, and the public sector; the collection of information from public sources of information.
This report was formed on the basis of observation during the period from December 31st 2018 to February 28th 2019 with the aim of informing the Ukrainian and international community about the electoral process in Ukraine and violations that may affect the free will of citizens and the results of elections.
Haiti: Rapport Du Secrétaire General des Nations Unies Recommandant la Fermet...Stanleylucas
La MINUSTAH fut créé en 2004 pour assister Haiti dans la construction de ses institutions démocratiques. En 13 ans cette mission a dépensé 8 milliards de dollars américains. A part quelques progrès enregistres au sein de la Police Nationale d'Haiti (PNH) la mission a failli a sa mission. La grande majorité des Haïtiens se demandent ou sont passes ces 8 milliards. Pire les soldats Népalais de la MINUSTAH ont introduit la batterie du choléra en Haiti qui a cause la mort de 10.000 Haïtiens et contamines plus de 900.000. Il faudra 2.2 milliards pour nettoyer le pays de cette bactérie mortelle de la MINUSTAH. Le Secrétaire General des Nations Unies pendant six ans a refuse de reconnaitre la responsabilité de ces soldats dans cette épidémie. Quand finalement ils ont reconnu leur responsabilité ça a été avec des jeux de mots pour éviter leur responsabilité légale et rembourser les parents des victimes du choléra. Malgré toutes les promesses faites aucun parent des victimes n'a été dédommagé et les Nations Unies roulent les Haïtiens. C'est dans ce contexte que les Nations Unies veulent remplacer la MINUSTAH qui a perdue toute sa crédibilité par une mission plus légère.
On January 18th 2019, the "Uspishna Varta" human rights platform received permission from the Central Election Commission (hereinafter - the CEC) to have its official election observers.
Observation is carried out via the work of more than 100 long-term and short-term observers in constituencies; interviews with representatives of candidate headquarters, election commissions, the media community, and the public sector; the collection of information from public sources of information.
This report was formed following the results of observation for the period of 1st-28th March 2019 in order to inform the Ukrainian and international community about the course of the electoral process in Ukraine and violations that may affect the free will of citizens and the election's result.
The next presidential election in Ukraine is scheduled for March 31st, 2019. The electoral campaign was launched on December 31st 2019, in accordance with the legislation.
On January 18th 2019 the “Uspishna Varta” human rights platform received permission from the CEC to have its official election observers. Observation is carried out through the work of more than 50 long-term and short-term observers in constituencies; interviews with representatives of candidate headquarters, election commissions, the media community, and the public sector; the collection of information from public sources of information.
This report was formed on the basis of observation during the period from December 31st 2018 to February 28th 2019 with the aim of informing the Ukrainian and international community about the electoral process in Ukraine and violations that may affect the free will of citizens and the results of elections.
Haiti: Rapport Du Secrétaire General des Nations Unies Recommandant la Fermet...Stanleylucas
La MINUSTAH fut créé en 2004 pour assister Haiti dans la construction de ses institutions démocratiques. En 13 ans cette mission a dépensé 8 milliards de dollars américains. A part quelques progrès enregistres au sein de la Police Nationale d'Haiti (PNH) la mission a failli a sa mission. La grande majorité des Haïtiens se demandent ou sont passes ces 8 milliards. Pire les soldats Népalais de la MINUSTAH ont introduit la batterie du choléra en Haiti qui a cause la mort de 10.000 Haïtiens et contamines plus de 900.000. Il faudra 2.2 milliards pour nettoyer le pays de cette bactérie mortelle de la MINUSTAH. Le Secrétaire General des Nations Unies pendant six ans a refuse de reconnaitre la responsabilité de ces soldats dans cette épidémie. Quand finalement ils ont reconnu leur responsabilité ça a été avec des jeux de mots pour éviter leur responsabilité légale et rembourser les parents des victimes du choléra. Malgré toutes les promesses faites aucun parent des victimes n'a été dédommagé et les Nations Unies roulent les Haïtiens. C'est dans ce contexte que les Nations Unies veulent remplacer la MINUSTAH qui a perdue toute sa crédibilité par une mission plus légère.
On January 18th 2019, the "Uspishna Varta" human rights platform received permission from the Central Election Commission (hereinafter - the CEC) to have its official election observers.
Observation is carried out via the work of more than 100 long-term and short-term observers in constituencies; interviews with representatives of candidate headquarters, election commissions, the media community, and the public sector; the collection of information from public sources of information.
This report was formed following the results of observation for the period of 1st-28th March 2019 in order to inform the Ukrainian and international community about the course of the electoral process in Ukraine and violations that may affect the free will of citizens and the election's result.
The report on the observance of political and civil rights and freedoms was prepared by the Ukrainian human rights platform "Uspishna varta" (“Successful Guards”) and covers the period from May 25th, 2014 to May 25th, 2018.
This period of monitoring is due to the fact that on May 25th, 2014 in Ukraine early
presidential elections were held. Accordingly, from this period, responsibility for the
observance of rights and freedoms in Ukraine is assigned to the elected President Petro
Poroshenko and the team that was appointed by him or elected with his support to senior
positions in the state.
The monitoring assesses the observance of rights and freedoms in the territory controlled by the government of Ukraine. The human rights platform "Uspishna varta" has no mandate to operate on the territories of Crimea and Donbass that are not under the control of the government of Ukraine to make an objective assessment of the human rights situation in these territories.
The report is based on the monitoring of the observance of key political rights and
freedoms, namely:
The right to freedom of speech and opinion
Article 34 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 10 of the European Convention on
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 18, 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The right to freedom of thought
Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human
Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights.
The right to freedom of association
Article 36-37 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 22 of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights.
Right to freedom of assembly
Article 39 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 21 of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights.
Right to political participation
Article 38 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights.
In the framework of the report there is analysis of legislative regulation and law enforcement
practices in the context of government policy, as well as the status of social respect for these
rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2014-2018.
The report is based on data obtained by the human rights platform "Uspishna varta" through
conducting detailed interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations and
infringements, experts and human rights defenders, as well as through carrying out activities
to assist in the protection of human rights in documented cases. Among them - the
monitoring of trials, the advocacy of work with the duty bearers on the observance of
human rights, non-governmental organizations, and the media.
The monthly information bulletin of the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform (CPLR) is dedicated to the analysis of state reforms,
in particular in the areas of parliamentarianism and elections, constitutional and judicial reforms, civil service, anticorruption,
etc. The goal of the publication is to increase the level of expert awareness among the citizens and to strengthen their
capacity to influence the government authorities in order to expedite democratic reforms and to establish good governance
in Ukraine.
Detailed account of "Maidan Monitoring" project. The publication describes both the results of monitoring (quantitative, qualitative, communicative and legal) and the methodology of its implementation.
"For the first time in world practice during the parliamentary election in Ukraine in 2012 an interactive map of violations of election law has been created with strictly verified information crowd sourced by volunteers with mandatory documented evidence and legal commentary"
Policy brief “Almost There: The Carrots of Visa Liberalization as An Impetus ...Europe without barriers
Policy brief by Europe without barriers exploring why and how Germany can benefit by visa liberalization for Ukraine as well as how German NGOs and government can help in implementing Ukrainian reforms
According to the results of monitoring in April-August 2018, the human rights platform «Uspishna Varta» recorded 99 violations of political rights and freedoms. From these, 62 cases (63%) were related to the violation of the right to freedom of speech and opinion.
28% of all recorded violations of political rights and freedoms involved right-wing radical organizations, primarily C14, “National Druzhina”, “Bratstvo”, “Right Sector”, etc. In general, the collective actions of law enforcement agencies (SBU, the Prosecutor General’s office, the State Border Service, and the National Police) led to the violation of political rights and freedoms in 26% of recorded cases.
41% of the recorded cases (40) violated the rights of journalists – both Ukrainian and foreign; in addition, the rights of some media companies were also violated (15 cases, 16%). Among the categories of persons whose rights are violated it is also necessary to mention political parties and/ or individual politicians (mainly the left-wing ideological agenda), as well as public activists (13% and 10% of the recorded facts, respectively).
The monthly information bulletin of the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform (CPLR) is dedicated to the analysis of state reforms,
in particular in the areas of parliamentarianism and elections, constitutional and judicial reforms, civil service, anticorruption,
etc.
This report on the observance of political and civil rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2018 was prepared by the "Uspishna Varta" Ukrainian human rights platform.
The report is based on the monitoring of the observance of key political rights and freedoms, namely:
● The right to freedom of speech and opinion
Article 34 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 18, 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of thought
Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of association
Article 36-37 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of assembly
Article 39 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to political participation
Article 38 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The monitoring assesses the observance of rights and freedoms in the territory controlled by the government of Ukraine. The human rights platform "Uspishna Varta" has no mandate to operate on the territories of Crimea and Donbass that are not under the control of the government of Ukraine to make an objective assessment of the human rights situation in these territories.
In the framework of the report there is analysis of legislative regulation and law enforcement practices in the context of government policy, as well as the status of social respect for these rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2018.
The report is based on data obtained by the human rights platform "Uspishna Varta" through conducting detailed interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations and infringements, experts and human rights defenders, as well as through carrying out activities to assist in the protection of human rights in documented cases. Among them - the monitoring of trials, the advocacy of work with the duty bearers on the observance of human rights, non-governmental organizations, and the media.In addition, the report uses data collected by other non-governmental organizations and the media.
Joint Comments of FPRI and EESRI Foundation to the Questionnaire on Perceptions of the OSCE and Proposals for the Future Work of the OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions. Presented by Mr. Oleksandr Tytarchuk, Member of the EESRI Foundation Board, during the Second OSCE Network’s Meeting held in Hamburg on February 24, 2016.
The monthly information bulletin of the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform (CPLR) is dedicated to the analysis of state reforms,
in particular in the areas of parliamentarianism and elections, constitutional and judicial reforms, civil service, anticorruption,
etc. The goal of the publication is to increase the level of expert awareness among the citizens and to strengthen their
capacity to influence the government authorities in order to expedite democratic reforms and to establish good governance
in Ukraine.
Information note by the co-rapporteurs on their fact-finding visit to Tbilisi and Batumi (11-14 October 2011)1. Co-rapporteurs: Mr Kastriot ISLAMI, Albania, Socialist group, and Mr Michael Aastrup JENSEN, Denmark, Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
Electoral Processes in Central Asia and Its Impact on Regional Stability and ...ijtsrd
The article examines the electoral system in Central Asia to date, the application of democratic principles in the elections that have taken place so far, the openness, transparency and directness of the electoral process, the stability of elections in the region. impact, the impact and status of electoral processes on democratic reforms. Sattorov Asrorjon Akramjonovich "Electoral Processes in Central Asia and Its Impact on Regional Stability and Security" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-5 , August 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd46326.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/other/46326/electoral-processes-in-central-asia-and-its-impact-on-regional-stability-and-security/sattorov-asrorjon-akramjonovich
The report on the observance of political and civil rights and freedoms was prepared by the Ukrainian human rights platform "Uspishna varta" (“Successful Guards”) and covers the period from May 25th, 2014 to May 25th, 2018.
This period of monitoring is due to the fact that on May 25th, 2014 in Ukraine early
presidential elections were held. Accordingly, from this period, responsibility for the
observance of rights and freedoms in Ukraine is assigned to the elected President Petro
Poroshenko and the team that was appointed by him or elected with his support to senior
positions in the state.
The monitoring assesses the observance of rights and freedoms in the territory controlled by the government of Ukraine. The human rights platform "Uspishna varta" has no mandate to operate on the territories of Crimea and Donbass that are not under the control of the government of Ukraine to make an objective assessment of the human rights situation in these territories.
The report is based on the monitoring of the observance of key political rights and
freedoms, namely:
The right to freedom of speech and opinion
Article 34 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 10 of the European Convention on
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 18, 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The right to freedom of thought
Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human
Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights.
The right to freedom of association
Article 36-37 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 22 of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights.
Right to freedom of assembly
Article 39 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 21 of the International Covenant on
Civil and Political Rights.
Right to political participation
Article 38 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil
and Political Rights.
In the framework of the report there is analysis of legislative regulation and law enforcement
practices in the context of government policy, as well as the status of social respect for these
rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2014-2018.
The report is based on data obtained by the human rights platform "Uspishna varta" through
conducting detailed interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations and
infringements, experts and human rights defenders, as well as through carrying out activities
to assist in the protection of human rights in documented cases. Among them - the
monitoring of trials, the advocacy of work with the duty bearers on the observance of
human rights, non-governmental organizations, and the media.
The monthly information bulletin of the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform (CPLR) is dedicated to the analysis of state reforms,
in particular in the areas of parliamentarianism and elections, constitutional and judicial reforms, civil service, anticorruption,
etc. The goal of the publication is to increase the level of expert awareness among the citizens and to strengthen their
capacity to influence the government authorities in order to expedite democratic reforms and to establish good governance
in Ukraine.
Detailed account of "Maidan Monitoring" project. The publication describes both the results of monitoring (quantitative, qualitative, communicative and legal) and the methodology of its implementation.
"For the first time in world practice during the parliamentary election in Ukraine in 2012 an interactive map of violations of election law has been created with strictly verified information crowd sourced by volunteers with mandatory documented evidence and legal commentary"
Policy brief “Almost There: The Carrots of Visa Liberalization as An Impetus ...Europe without barriers
Policy brief by Europe without barriers exploring why and how Germany can benefit by visa liberalization for Ukraine as well as how German NGOs and government can help in implementing Ukrainian reforms
According to the results of monitoring in April-August 2018, the human rights platform «Uspishna Varta» recorded 99 violations of political rights and freedoms. From these, 62 cases (63%) were related to the violation of the right to freedom of speech and opinion.
28% of all recorded violations of political rights and freedoms involved right-wing radical organizations, primarily C14, “National Druzhina”, “Bratstvo”, “Right Sector”, etc. In general, the collective actions of law enforcement agencies (SBU, the Prosecutor General’s office, the State Border Service, and the National Police) led to the violation of political rights and freedoms in 26% of recorded cases.
41% of the recorded cases (40) violated the rights of journalists – both Ukrainian and foreign; in addition, the rights of some media companies were also violated (15 cases, 16%). Among the categories of persons whose rights are violated it is also necessary to mention political parties and/ or individual politicians (mainly the left-wing ideological agenda), as well as public activists (13% and 10% of the recorded facts, respectively).
The monthly information bulletin of the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform (CPLR) is dedicated to the analysis of state reforms,
in particular in the areas of parliamentarianism and elections, constitutional and judicial reforms, civil service, anticorruption,
etc.
This report on the observance of political and civil rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2018 was prepared by the "Uspishna Varta" Ukrainian human rights platform.
The report is based on the monitoring of the observance of key political rights and freedoms, namely:
● The right to freedom of speech and opinion
Article 34 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 18, 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of thought
Article 35 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, Article 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of association
Article 36-37 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to freedom of assembly
Article 39 of the Constitution of Ukraine; Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, and Article 21 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
● The right to political participation
Article 38 of the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
The monitoring assesses the observance of rights and freedoms in the territory controlled by the government of Ukraine. The human rights platform "Uspishna Varta" has no mandate to operate on the territories of Crimea and Donbass that are not under the control of the government of Ukraine to make an objective assessment of the human rights situation in these territories.
In the framework of the report there is analysis of legislative regulation and law enforcement practices in the context of government policy, as well as the status of social respect for these rights and freedoms in Ukraine in 2018.
The report is based on data obtained by the human rights platform "Uspishna Varta" through conducting detailed interviews with victims and witnesses of human rights violations and infringements, experts and human rights defenders, as well as through carrying out activities to assist in the protection of human rights in documented cases. Among them - the monitoring of trials, the advocacy of work with the duty bearers on the observance of human rights, non-governmental organizations, and the media.In addition, the report uses data collected by other non-governmental organizations and the media.
Joint Comments of FPRI and EESRI Foundation to the Questionnaire on Perceptions of the OSCE and Proposals for the Future Work of the OSCE Network of Think Tanks and Academic Institutions. Presented by Mr. Oleksandr Tytarchuk, Member of the EESRI Foundation Board, during the Second OSCE Network’s Meeting held in Hamburg on February 24, 2016.
The monthly information bulletin of the Centre of Policy and Legal Reform (CPLR) is dedicated to the analysis of state reforms,
in particular in the areas of parliamentarianism and elections, constitutional and judicial reforms, civil service, anticorruption,
etc. The goal of the publication is to increase the level of expert awareness among the citizens and to strengthen their
capacity to influence the government authorities in order to expedite democratic reforms and to establish good governance
in Ukraine.
Information note by the co-rapporteurs on their fact-finding visit to Tbilisi and Batumi (11-14 October 2011)1. Co-rapporteurs: Mr Kastriot ISLAMI, Albania, Socialist group, and Mr Michael Aastrup JENSEN, Denmark, Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe
Electoral Processes in Central Asia and Its Impact on Regional Stability and ...ijtsrd
The article examines the electoral system in Central Asia to date, the application of democratic principles in the elections that have taken place so far, the openness, transparency and directness of the electoral process, the stability of elections in the region. impact, the impact and status of electoral processes on democratic reforms. Sattorov Asrorjon Akramjonovich "Electoral Processes in Central Asia and Its Impact on Regional Stability and Security" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-5 | Issue-5 , August 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd46326.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/other/46326/electoral-processes-in-central-asia-and-its-impact-on-regional-stability-and-security/sattorov-asrorjon-akramjonovich
Overview of the Development of Electoral Legislation of the Republic Uzbekistanijtsrd
This article is devoted to formation and development of the electoral legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and provides a comparative analysis of the experience of the United States and the Federal Republic of Germany. The author considers the electoral legislation and identifies the main stages of its development, as well as the factors that contributed to its development. Israilova Zarina Sadriddinovna "Overview of the Development of Electoral Legislation of the Republic Uzbekistan" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-7 , December 2022, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd52542.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/other-scientific-research-area/other/52542/overview-of-the-development-of-electoral-legislation-of-the-republic-uzbekistan/israilova-zarina-sadriddinovna
A joint study by the Democracy Reporting International, Reanimation Package of Reforms Coalition and Center of Policy and Legal Reform of the functioning of Ukraine's democratic institutions during the war
Report on the human rights situation in Ukraine 15 June 2014DonbassFullAccess
The present report is based on findings of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU) covering the period of 7 May – 7 June 2014. It follows two reports on the human rights situation in Ukraine released by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on 15 April and 16 May 2014.
EU 2013 Pakistan Election Observation Mission (report)fatanews
ISLAMABAD: The European Union’s Election Observer Mission, in its final report, has said the May 11 polls were much more free and fair than previous elections in the country. It cautioned, however, that not implementing certain legal provisions has left future elections vulnerable to malpractice.
Released at a news conference on Wednesday, the findings of the EU observer mission concluded that despite escalating militant attacks and procedural shortcomings, the May 11 electoral process progressed with a high level of competition, a marked increase in voter participation and overall acceptance of the outcome.
Speaking to reporters, Chief Observer Michael Gahler, however, noted that fundamental problems remain with the legal framework and the implementation of certain provisions.
“Now is the time for the new Parliament, the Election Commission and other stakeholders to demonstrate their commitment to a democratic Pakistan. Legislation can be further developed and every by-election as well as local election is an opportunity for implementing improved practices,” he added.
The 140-member EU observer mission formulated 50 recommendations to help ensure better transparency in future elections. Of these seven require constitutional changes and 17 require changes in the primary legislation, according to Gahler.
The EU observer mission suggested the formation of a special parliamentary committee on elections to review related legislation within a framework of international law commitments. Key issues to address in this regard include candidacy criteria, transparency requirements and mechanisms for effective remedy.
It also recommended that the Election Commission of Pakistan should take full responsibility for the administration of the elections. The commission must fully implement its five-year strategic plan as well, the EU mission noted in its report.
It proposed that ECP should establish a clear regulatory framework for all aspects of the election, including results management, observation and scrutiny, and complaints. The commission should also review and develop procedures to increase checks in the polling and results process, and develop practices to improve the quality of the completed results forms, the report maintained.
The EU observer mission also asked ECP to introduce strong transparency measures, including making all notifications, decisions and election related information immediately and easily available to the public.
“All polling and results information should swiftly be made available to the public on the ECP website.”
It also suggested that the legal framework for media be revised so that it fully supports editorial independence and eliminates opportunities for censorship.
Report on the human rights situation in Ukraine 15 May 2014DonbassFullAccess
The present report is based on the findings of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine (HRMMU)1 covering the period of 2 April - 6 May 2014. It follows the first report on the human rights situation in Ukraine released by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on 15 April 2014.
More than 2 years have passed since Minsk I was signed in September, 2014. The Agreement fi xed a step-by-step return of the uncontrolled areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions under the control of Ukraine. However, it has not been implemented yet; moreover, it has been violated many times.
The parties to the confl ict interpret the Agreement implementation algorithm diff erently and accuse each other of unwillingness to implement it. There are local clashes and shooting at the demarcation line; diplomats hold regular meetings in European countries and in Minsk; however, there has been no breakthrough. At the same time, those people, who live on the territory of the Donetsk region, which was united in the past, continue living in new conditions.
NGO Donetsk Institute of Information has conducted audit of various spheres of life in the Donetsk region during the two years of the non-implementation of the Minsk Agreement and presents recommendations which might help make the life of civilians as well as the future reintegration of the region easier.
Institute of International Election Observation As a Factor of Democratic Ele...ijtsrd
In this article author analyses role of international election observation as a factor of providing transparence and assessing democratic reforms in a country. The author assesses legal bases of international observation by international governmental and non governmental organizations as well as their role in providing transparence while voting process. Khamdamova Shirin Mirzayuldashevna "Institute of International Election Observation - As a Factor of Democratic Elections" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-1 , December 2021, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd47821.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/political-science/47821/institute-of-international-election-observation--as-a-factor-of-democratic-elections/khamdamova-shirin-mirzayuldashevna
Development of Electoral Legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistanijtsrd
This article is devoted to reforming the electoral system of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The electoral system consists of all the voting rights of citizens, the existing procedure for the formation of state representative bodies and the procedure for involving citizens in elections, the organization of elections and the interaction of deputies with voters. The author considers the electoral legislation and identifies the main stages of its development, as well as the factors that contributed to its development. Israilova Zarina Sadriddinovna "Development of Electoral Legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-6 | Issue-7 , December 2022, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd52541.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/other-scientific-research-area/other/52541/development-of-electoral-legislation-of-the-republic-of-uzbekistan/israilova-zarina-sadriddinovna
Gives an idea on a situation with women's participation in 2012 parliamentary elections in Ukraine and presents public monitoring on gender euqality in the election running.
Similar to A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence? (20)
Levelwise PageRank with Loop-Based Dead End Handling Strategy : SHORT REPORT ...Subhajit Sahu
Abstract — Levelwise PageRank is an alternative method of PageRank computation which decomposes the input graph into a directed acyclic block-graph of strongly connected components, and processes them in topological order, one level at a time. This enables calculation for ranks in a distributed fashion without per-iteration communication, unlike the standard method where all vertices are processed in each iteration. It however comes with a precondition of the absence of dead ends in the input graph. Here, the native non-distributed performance of Levelwise PageRank was compared against Monolithic PageRank on a CPU as well as a GPU. To ensure a fair comparison, Monolithic PageRank was also performed on a graph where vertices were split by components. Results indicate that Levelwise PageRank is about as fast as Monolithic PageRank on the CPU, but quite a bit slower on the GPU. Slowdown on the GPU is likely caused by a large submission of small workloads, and expected to be non-issue when the computation is performed on massive graphs.
Adjusting primitives for graph : SHORT REPORT / NOTESSubhajit Sahu
Graph algorithms, like PageRank Compressed Sparse Row (CSR) is an adjacency-list based graph representation that is
Multiply with different modes (map)
1. Performance of sequential execution based vs OpenMP based vector multiply.
2. Comparing various launch configs for CUDA based vector multiply.
Sum with different storage types (reduce)
1. Performance of vector element sum using float vs bfloat16 as the storage type.
Sum with different modes (reduce)
1. Performance of sequential execution based vs OpenMP based vector element sum.
2. Performance of memcpy vs in-place based CUDA based vector element sum.
3. Comparing various launch configs for CUDA based vector element sum (memcpy).
4. Comparing various launch configs for CUDA based vector element sum (in-place).
Sum with in-place strategies of CUDA mode (reduce)
1. Comparing various launch configs for CUDA based vector element sum (in-place).
As Europe's leading economic powerhouse and the fourth-largest hashtag#economy globally, Germany stands at the forefront of innovation and industrial might. Renowned for its precision engineering and high-tech sectors, Germany's economic structure is heavily supported by a robust service industry, accounting for approximately 68% of its GDP. This economic clout and strategic geopolitical stance position Germany as a focal point in the global cyber threat landscape.
In the face of escalating global tensions, particularly those emanating from geopolitical disputes with nations like hashtag#Russia and hashtag#China, hashtag#Germany has witnessed a significant uptick in targeted cyber operations. Our analysis indicates a marked increase in hashtag#cyberattack sophistication aimed at critical infrastructure and key industrial sectors. These attacks range from ransomware campaigns to hashtag#AdvancedPersistentThreats (hashtag#APTs), threatening national security and business integrity.
🔑 Key findings include:
🔍 Increased frequency and complexity of cyber threats.
🔍 Escalation of state-sponsored and criminally motivated cyber operations.
🔍 Active dark web exchanges of malicious tools and tactics.
Our comprehensive report delves into these challenges, using a blend of open-source and proprietary data collection techniques. By monitoring activity on critical networks and analyzing attack patterns, our team provides a detailed overview of the threats facing German entities.
This report aims to equip stakeholders across public and private sectors with the knowledge to enhance their defensive strategies, reduce exposure to cyber risks, and reinforce Germany's resilience against cyber threats.
Chatty Kathy - UNC Bootcamp Final Project Presentation - Final Version - 5.23...John Andrews
SlideShare Description for "Chatty Kathy - UNC Bootcamp Final Project Presentation"
Title: Chatty Kathy: Enhancing Physical Activity Among Older Adults
Description:
Discover how Chatty Kathy, an innovative project developed at the UNC Bootcamp, aims to tackle the challenge of low physical activity among older adults. Our AI-driven solution uses peer interaction to boost and sustain exercise levels, significantly improving health outcomes. This presentation covers our problem statement, the rationale behind Chatty Kathy, synthetic data and persona creation, model performance metrics, a visual demonstration of the project, and potential future developments. Join us for an insightful Q&A session to explore the potential of this groundbreaking project.
Project Team: Jay Requarth, Jana Avery, John Andrews, Dr. Dick Davis II, Nee Buntoum, Nam Yeongjin & Mat Nicholas
Show drafts
volume_up
Empowering the Data Analytics Ecosystem: A Laser Focus on Value
The data analytics ecosystem thrives when every component functions at its peak, unlocking the true potential of data. Here's a laser focus on key areas for an empowered ecosystem:
1. Democratize Access, Not Data:
Granular Access Controls: Provide users with self-service tools tailored to their specific needs, preventing data overload and misuse.
Data Catalogs: Implement robust data catalogs for easy discovery and understanding of available data sources.
2. Foster Collaboration with Clear Roles:
Data Mesh Architecture: Break down data silos by creating a distributed data ownership model with clear ownership and responsibilities.
Collaborative Workspaces: Utilize interactive platforms where data scientists, analysts, and domain experts can work seamlessly together.
3. Leverage Advanced Analytics Strategically:
AI-powered Automation: Automate repetitive tasks like data cleaning and feature engineering, freeing up data talent for higher-level analysis.
Right-Tool Selection: Strategically choose the most effective advanced analytics techniques (e.g., AI, ML) based on specific business problems.
4. Prioritize Data Quality with Automation:
Automated Data Validation: Implement automated data quality checks to identify and rectify errors at the source, minimizing downstream issues.
Data Lineage Tracking: Track the flow of data throughout the ecosystem, ensuring transparency and facilitating root cause analysis for errors.
5. Cultivate a Data-Driven Mindset:
Metrics-Driven Performance Management: Align KPIs and performance metrics with data-driven insights to ensure actionable decision making.
Data Storytelling Workshops: Equip stakeholders with the skills to translate complex data findings into compelling narratives that drive action.
Benefits of a Precise Ecosystem:
Sharpened Focus: Precise access and clear roles ensure everyone works with the most relevant data, maximizing efficiency.
Actionable Insights: Strategic analytics and automated quality checks lead to more reliable and actionable data insights.
Continuous Improvement: Data-driven performance management fosters a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
Sustainable Growth: Empowered by data, organizations can make informed decisions to drive sustainable growth and innovation.
By focusing on these precise actions, organizations can create an empowered data analytics ecosystem that delivers real value by driving data-driven decisions and maximizing the return on their data investment.
StarCompliance is a leading firm specializing in the recovery of stolen cryptocurrency. Our comprehensive services are designed to assist individuals and organizations in navigating the complex process of fraud reporting, investigation, and fund recovery. We combine cutting-edge technology with expert legal support to provide a robust solution for victims of crypto theft.
Our Services Include:
Reporting to Tracking Authorities:
We immediately notify all relevant centralized exchanges (CEX), decentralized exchanges (DEX), and wallet providers about the stolen cryptocurrency. This ensures that the stolen assets are flagged as scam transactions, making it impossible for the thief to use them.
Assistance with Filing Police Reports:
We guide you through the process of filing a valid police report. Our support team provides detailed instructions on which police department to contact and helps you complete the necessary paperwork within the critical 72-hour window.
Launching the Refund Process:
Our team of experienced lawyers can initiate lawsuits on your behalf and represent you in various jurisdictions around the world. They work diligently to recover your stolen funds and ensure that justice is served.
At StarCompliance, we understand the urgency and stress involved in dealing with cryptocurrency theft. Our dedicated team works quickly and efficiently to provide you with the support and expertise needed to recover your assets. Trust us to be your partner in navigating the complexities of the crypto world and safeguarding your investments.
1. A lost vote.
Is this a lifetime silence?
Kyiv, 2018
Executive summary of the analytical report
2. Analytical Report A lost vote. Is this a lifetime
silence?/ Serhii Movchan, Oleksii Bida, Olha
Aivazovska, Oleksandr Kliuzhev / Ukrainian Helsinki
Human Rights Union, Civic Network OPORA.
The analysis provides an overview of the issue of the
respect for electoral rights on liberated territories of
Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Violations that occurred
during Extraordinary Presidential Elections, in
2014, and local elections, in 2015, are described. The
publication spotlights problematic issues related to the
possibility of internally displaced persons to exercise
their electoral right inside the communities where they
reside, and also provides proposals for improving the
situation.
3. 1A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
The current report consists
of the following chapters:
Introduction
Chapter I. Standards for conducting elections
Chapter II. Violations occurred during the election process
1. Monitoring of violations occurred during the extraordinary
Presidential Elections in 2014
2. One day in the life of district election commissions in Donetsk
oblast
3. Extraordinary Parliamentary Elections in 2014 in Donetsk and
Luhansk oblasts
4. Monitoring of violations occurred during the local elections in
2015
Chapter III. Current problems and necessary amendments to election
legislation
1. Electoral rights of internally displaced persons: Key problems
and ways to solve them
2. Main preconditions for holding elections on the liberated
territories
3. E-voting during potential local elections in specific areas of
Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
Conclusions and recommendations
4. 2 A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
S
ince late 2013, Ukraine has been undergoing the course of permanent changes and
transformations, which have multiple impacts on its development. On the one hand,
the Revolution of Dignity resulted in positive changes in the Ukrainian society as
renovation and partial rotation of political elites have taken places; a clear foreign pol-
icy course towards EU integration and close cooperation with NATO was declared; the
commitment was expressed to transform the social and political order in the country
towards democratization, protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms, civil
society development; as well as the need to establish a transparent market system was de-
clared, etc. On the other hand, the process of practical implementation of the pronounced
intentions is not simple and clear-cut; it is being impeded by a number of external and
internal factors, and can be qualitatively assessed some time later. Furthermore, the Rev-
olution of Dignity and a desire of the Ukrainian society to live in a democratic European
state demand a very high price to be paid, such as military actions in the East of Ukraine;
numerous casualties both as a result of events on Maidan and during the armed conflict
in Donbas; lost control of the Ukraine’s government over the part of the territory, and an
immediate threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country.
In the conditions of developing crisis trends, one of the principal tasks for the Ukrainian
authorities is to regulate the issue of security that is related to all spheres of social life,
social and political processes in Ukraine. The sphere of electoral relations is also not an
exception.
A mandatory precondition and a defining feature of a democratic rule-of-law state, which
Ukraine has proclaimed itself in the Constitution, is conducting regular and free elections
aimed at renewal of representative public bodies, and change of elected officials on the
basis of democratic procedures.
Unfortunately, early presidential elections in 2014 and local elections in 2015 took place
in a difficult political, economic and security situation, during the ongoing constitutional
reform in Ukraine aimed at decentralization of power. The conditions, in which these
elections were held, were marked by illegal annexation of the Crimean peninsula by the
Russian Federation, and temporary control of illegal armed groups together with Russia
over the parts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts. Due to this, more than five million voters
residing in these territories were not able to vote.
Depriving internally displaced persons (IDPs) of the right to vote discriminates them
both in terms of ensuring equal rights and freedoms, and in terms of equal opportunities.
Moreover, this is a sign of indirect discrimination on the grounds of the place of residence
and of being an IDP, which is contrary to the standards of international law, Constitution,
laws of Ukraine as well as Ukraine's commitments concerning sustainable integration of
IDPs in the area to which they were displaced.
The objective of this report is to improve the situation with elections in the territory of
Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, and to enable internally displaced persons to exercise their
right to vote in the communities of their permanent residence.
INTRODUCTION
5.
6. 4 A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
Under Chapter I.
Standards for conducting
elections
D
rafting the normative and legal framework, organizing election proce-
dures or general evaluation of campaign should be based on interna-
tional standards that are primarily set forth in the UN universal doc-
uments or the documents of institutions that are territorially closer to Ukraine
such as the PACE, OSCE or Venice Commission (the European Commission for
Democracy through Law). Articles of the declarations, conventions, and recom-
mendations formed the basis of national legislation in the European states, were
tested in dozens of election cycles, and became a norm.
Therefore, this report refers to the UN universal documents (more specifically,
provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on
the Political Rights of Women, the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights, the International Convention on the Elimination of Racial Discrimina-
tion, the Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement), as well as international
standards at the regional level (the Document of the Copenhagen meeting of the
Conference on the Human Dimension of the CSCE, the OSCE Charter of Paris
for a New Europe, the Code of Good Practice in Electoral Matters of the Venice
Commission). It also quotes general European principles in electoral matters,
such as: universal suffrage – every person has the right to elect and be elected;
equal suffrage; free, secret and direct voting, regular elections; respect for fun-
damental rights; stability of legislation; organization of voting by an impartial
body; election observation; effective system of appeal; election system.
7. 5A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
Under Chapter II.
Violations occurred during
the election process
D
uring elections of the President of Ukraine, members of election com-
missions at a district and polling station level organized voting in the
conditions of the failure of law enforcement bodies to fulfill their du-
ties in terms of ensuring public order. It was members of territorial and polling
station commissions who had to deal with criminal actions of illegal groups,
whereas state and local authorities were disoriented or resorted to unacceptable
inaction. Early parliamentary elections were held the same year in the conditions
when a clear contact line was defined between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and
illegal armed groups created and supported by the Russian Federation. The latter
fact made it totally impossible to organize voting in those territories of Donetsk
and Luhansk oblasts that were controlled by the illegal groups.
Civic Network “OPORA” carried out independent monitoring during the early
presidential elections in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts with due regard to the
standards of security for observers. In view of destabilization of the situation
in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, the main problems were related primarily to
security challenges and illegal actions against the process of organization and
conducting of voting, and not to violations by candidates for the President or
their representatives. More specifically, the following cases of impeding the elec-
tion process were reported: creating obstacles for candidates for the President
of Ukraine; preventing activities of campaign headquarters of candidates for
the President of Ukraine, campaign activists; using violence against members
of election commissions; seizing/destroying premises, property of election com-
missions, etc.
Official vote-tallying for territorial election districts in Donetsk and Luhansk
oblasts demonstrate that 15.5% and 25% voters took part in voting in these re-
gions, respectively. These figures reflect activities only in those polling stations
where it was possible to organize voting. If we compare the number of voters
who participated in the elections and the total number of voters in these regions,
the situation can be called catastrophic. Only 4% of the total number of voters
Monitoring of violations occurred during the extraordinary
presidential elections in 2014
8. 6 A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
Extraordinary Parliamentary Elections in 2014 in Donetsk
and Luhansk oblasts
Extraordinary parliamentary elections were held in 12 out of 21 election dis-
tricts in Donetsk oblast, and in 5 out of 11 election districts in Luhansk oblast.
As a result of liberation of several towns and districts in Donetsk oblast from
illegal armed groups, the number of voters who were able to vote during the
early parliamentary elections increased significantly. During the early presiden-
tial elections, 23% voters in this region were included in the voter lists at polling
stations that were opened despite militants' resistance. Same year the respective
lists for the parliamentary elections included 42% voters in this region. A slight
increase of the number of voters involved in the voting was reported in Luhansk
oblast – from 23% to 26%.
The prevailing type of violations was the failure of candidates and political par-
ties to adhere to the rules of election campaigning, prevention of activities of
official observers and journalists, vote buying.
Monitoring of violations occurred during the local
elections in 2015
One of the key problems related to the election process in Donetsk and Luhansk
oblasts was the absence of clear criteria for making decisions on holding local
elections in government-controlled areas of these regions. The list of localities in
Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts for holding regular local elections in 2015 was pre-
pared by the Central Election Commission (CEC) based on the submissions of
military-civilian administrations. Furthermore, the applicable laws and a special
explanation of the CEC did not provide for practical mechanisms of verifying
justification of submissions for holding or not holding elections in individual
communities. Such legal ambiguity created preconditions for politically justified
decisions to postpone elections in specific communities while security reasons
turned out to be rather manipulative. It is important to avoid such problems in
the future by developing criteria and procedures of taking security risks into
consideration for the purposes of decision making on the election process in
Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
participated in voting in Donetsk oblast, and 3% – in Luhansk oblast. Therefore,
it can be stated that in May 2014 the actions of Russia and of the illegal groups
supported by it resulted in a restriction of electoral rights of the majority of vot-
ers in Donbas.
9. 7A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
For instance, in Donetsk oblast observers of Civic Network OPORA document-
ed 38 violations of election legislation, 20 of which were related to inappropriate
election campaigning. The documented violations included 9 cases of election
commissions not following the law, manipulations with voting ballots and illegal
voting – 5, vote buying – 4, abuse of administrative resources – 2, prevention of
activities of journalists and observers – 2.
In Luhansk oblast, observers duly reported 31 cases of violation of election legis-
lation, 11 of which were related to violation of the campaign rules. Unlike in Do-
netsk oblast, there were several cases of criminal interference with the election
process in Luhansk region in the form of threatening the members of election
commissions or candidates/property damage or violence.
10. 8 A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
Under Chapter III.
Violations occurred during
the election process
Electoral rights of IDPs:
Key problems and ways to solve them
In 2014-2017, full integration of IDPs into their new territorial communities
remains the main task for the state. National and local authorities implement
inconsistent and ambiguous policy regarding internally displaced persons. One
should admit honestly that discriminatory practices, inaction or lack of system
in decisions of the state authorities became possible because IDPs are not an in-
fluential factor in the political process or an important electoral group. The latter
fact makes it possible for politicians to ignore critical problems or even use them
in order to provoke political conflicts.
Lack of the influence of IDPs' interest on politics, including the local level, can be
addressed in different ways. Mobilization of activism of IDPs themselves, pubic
pressure on the state authorities for revision of inefficient policy and elimination
of discriminatory practices, reform of legislation – all of these are preconditions
for appropriate integration of internally displaced persons. However, a decision
on proper guarantees of electoral rights of this group of individuals is a solution
that is achievable and can be implemented without delay.
Pursuant to the current law, the grounds for including a voter in a respective
polling station is the voter's election address . The imperative connection of the
election address to the registered place of residence does not take into consider-
ation the actual circumstances of voters' residence (for instance, labor migrants
and IDPs) in a territorial community, which limits electoral rights in those com-
munities where they actually reside, and creates indirect discrimination.
This situation is characterized by complications entailed by the IDPs' moving
from their registered places of residence, and the objective need to preserve the
formal connection with the temporarily occupied territories caused by security,
family, property, social, economic, and other factors. The state, in its turn, is
1
Article 8 of the Law of Ukraine on the State Register of Voters
11. 9A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
not interested in a significant decrease of the number of citizens registered in
the temporarily occupied territories while being IDPs. Therefore, internally dis-
placed persons need, on the one hand, efficient mechanisms of integration in the
new communities. On the other hand, these citizens should preserve a potential
possibility to influence political regulation of the inter-state conflict in the ter-
ritory of specific areas in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts, Autonomous Republic
of Crimea, and Sevastopol, and to protect their rights in the respective territory
after the end of conflict. Such approach is completely in line with international
standards on internal displacement.
At present, electoral rights of IDPs in Ukraine are guaranteed only through the
procedure for changing the place of voting without changing the election ad-
dress during elections of the President of Ukraine and parliamentary elections
in the proportional component of a parallel election system. If a voter registered
in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine has an intention to vote, such
a voter has to submit an application to the agency maintaining the Register of
Voters not later than five days before the election day asking it to change his/her
voting address without changing the election address. It should be mentioned
here, that this is a one-time procedure, and for the next elections (also for re-
peat elections) the voter has to submit the same application again. The law on
local elections sets forth that the voter's belonging to the territorial community
and the fact of his/her permanent residence in the respective territory is deter-
mined exclusively by the registered place of residence. The Law of Ukraine on
Parliamentary Elections reads that a citizen of Ukraine who temporarily chang-
es his/her voting address (without changing the election address) for another
polling station outside the boundaries of the single-mandate constituency, to
which such a voter belongs on the basis of the information entered in the State
Register of Voters about his/her election address has a right to vote during the
parliamentary elections only for the nationwide constituency (Part 10 Article 2).
Therefore, in the authors' opinion, the absence of a possibility for IDPs to exer-
cise their active right to vote at local elections and in single-mandate constituen-
cies is not in line with the Constitution of Ukraine and international standards.
Regulating electoral rights of IDPs provided for by the Constitution should be
based on the principles of equal participation of citizens in the political process
and full integration of displaced persons in new territorial communities. New
processes, on the one hand, should ensure long-term and sustainable solution of
the problems in the sphere of electoral rights. On the other hand, these proce-
dures should be flexible enough for efficient taking into consideration the actual
circumstances of internally displaced persons.
One of the possible guarantees of IDPs' electoral rights is provided for in the
draft law № 6240, On Ensuring Access to Electoral Rights for IDPs and Oth-
12. 10 A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
er Citizens Mobile Within the Country, that was registered in March 2017 and
provides for a possibility of a voter to submit a justified application to the bodies
maintaining the Register of Voters asking to change his/her election address.
Liberalization of the procedure for changing an election address will make it
possible to efficiently protect electoral rights of IDPs and other citizens mobile
inside the country: after changing the election address, a voter will be able to
permanently vote at the place of actual residence during elections of all levels.
Taking into consideration the concerns about using illegal election technologies
(bribing voters for their "mobility" from one constituency or territorial commu-
nity to another), several rather severe restrictions are envisaged. Furthermore,
an advantage of the model provided for in the draft law is preservation of the
potential possibility of participation of IDP voters in local elections that is part
of the process of peaceful regulation in specific districts of Donetsk and Luhansk
oblasts. The draft law also stipulates that next change of the election address
can be granted 180 days after the last change in the Register of Voters. Such
procedure for changing the election address will make it possible to practically
implement the right of IDPs to freely select the strategy of their own future pro-
vided for in the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement: integration
in the new community, return to the territories of previous residence or further
displacement within the safe part of the country.
Main preconditions for holding elections on the liberated
territories
Elections are the key element of post-conflict regulation, and a measure aimed
at restoring democracy and starting the process of reintegration of the post-
conflict territories. The main preconditions for holding elections on the liberated
territories are as follows:
• disarmament and demilitarization;
• neutralization of political environment;
• involvement of independent international organizations;
• significant period of time between ceasefire and elections;
• for organizing elections, independent election commissions should be estab-
lished;
• security of the election process participants should be ensured;
• elections should take place strictly in accordance with the Ukrainian legis-
lation.
13. 11A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
E-voting during potential local elections in the separate
areas of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
Using modern technologies during elections is being discussed in the expert
and civil society community involved in the dialog on peaceful resolution of the
inter-state conflict in the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts occupied
by the Russian Federation. The interest in various types of e-voting systems , in
the context of holding local elections in Donbas, can be explained by two crucial
factors:
• First, a significant part of citizens eligible to vote during potential local elec-
tions provided for in the Minsk Protocols and the Package of Measures reside
outside the boundaries of specific districts of Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.
In the opinion of some experts, the Internet voting systems can involve more
IDPs and refugees in voting at local elections, and lead to certain political
regulation of the conflict.
• Second, there are hopes that with the help of e-voting systems a range of
problems related to administration of potential elections that will emerge
after a long break in holding a legitimate election process in certain areas of
Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts can be solved.
However, before analyzing advantages and disadvantages of one or another sys-
tem, it is critically important to verify expediency of the use of e-voting technol-
ogies in specific territorial, temporal, social, and political conditions. If we imag-
ine the prospects for organizing local elections in individual districts of Donetsk
and Luhansk oblasts, there is an important question of preventing disruption
of voting and the vote-tallying process, which is relevant even in ordinary con-
ditions. Post-conflict elections will require prompt vote counting, reliable pro-
cedures for generalizing voting results at the level of territorial communities,
protection of communities, protection of voting ballots from irreversible de-
struction.
It should be mentioned that all e-voting systems without exception are prone
to insufficient transparency for election process actors who are not competent
in technologies. These are the facts that can create favorable conditions for dis-
crediting elections by unscrupulous candidates who will claim that there was
organized interference with the work of electronic systems. Therefore, taking
into consideration the high cost, security and logistic challenges related to using
e-voting systems at polling stations (providing polling stations with scanners,
computers, ensuring protected and interrupted Internet connection), one can
predict higher popularity of the idea of voting through the Internet. However,
the totality of challenges and risks related to voting through the Internet (vot-
ing is done in uncontrolled environment, which makes it more difficult to en-
14. 12 A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
sure secrecy of voting, prevent vote buying, family voting, intimidation of voters
and controlled voting – especially in the territories close to the conflict zone),
makes using this modern technology virtually impossible. Furthermore, protec-
tion of e-voting system from external interference is an important problem even
in Western democracies while in post-conflict communities the challenges in
terms of security and results of voting are much higher.
Elections in the conflict territories should be organized and held on the basis of
procedures and in the way that would reduce the level of conflict in the involved
groups and communities. We believe that e-voting, on the contrary, will create
additional risks and grounds for development of oppositions among the election
process actors.
15. 13A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
CONCLUSIONS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Conclusions:
1. Actions aimed at disrupting elections in Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts
acquired a system nature in 2014 as a result of a combination of the following
factors:
• Consistent intentions of representatives of illegal armed groups not to let
voting happen during the Presidential elections in Ukraine were aimed at
preventing legitimization of voting results in the oblasts.
• Numerous cases of law-enforcement officers’ support of illegal actions aimed
at disrupting elections or their criminal inaction, also during abduction of
members of election commissions.
• Inadequate evaluation of the situation by heads of regional and national au-
thorities which resulted in negative outcomes for organizers of elections as
they were not sufficiently informed about security risks.
• Disorientation and absence of action strategy at the regional and national
levels that frequently ignored the signals about preparation for disrupting
the voting process.
2. Holding parliamentary elections in 2014 and local elections in 2015 in
Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts were characterized by a different range of prob-
lems compared to the presidential elections held in 2014. It is explained by the
fact that they were held exclusively in the Ukrainian government-controlled ter-
ritory, and the contact line was sufficiently far away from them, yet this fact did
not exclude violations during the elections, although of a different
3. Elections in the post-conflict territories should be organized and held
using the procedures and in the way which will decrease the level of conflict in
the involved groups and communities as well as ensure adherence to the inter-
national standards. The election process could begin only if there were grounds
to claim that the prospects for campaigning and voting in accordance with inter-
national standards were very high.
4. Regulating electoral rights of internally displaced persons provided for
by the Constitution for all citizens should be based on the principles of equal
participation of citizens in the political process and full integration of displaced
persons in the new territorial communities. New procedures, on the one hand,
should ensure long-term and sustainable solution of the problems in the sphere
16. 14 A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
of electoral rights. On the other hand, these procedures should be flexible
enough for efficient consideration of the actual circumstances of internally dis-
placed persons.
5. It is impossible and inexpedient to introduce e-voting in Ukraine, es-
pecially in the post-conflict territories since it may create additional risks and
grounds for confrontation between the election process actors.
Recommendations:
• The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine should adopt the draft law of Ukraine №
6240 On Ensuring Access to Election Rights for Internally Displaced Persons
and Other Citizens Mobile Within the Country, which regulates the issues of
participation of IDPs in local elections in localities/communities at their new
de-facto place of residence.
• The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Central Election Commission
should facilitate drafting amendments to the Ukrainian legislation in the
part related to strengthening the possibilities for the state in terms of re-
sponding to security challenges to the election process, including improved
coordination between the CEC and law-enforcement agencies.
• The President of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should clearly de-
clare to Ukraine’s foreign partners that elections in the occupied part of Don-
bas will not lead to conflict resolution if being held before the disarmament,
demilitarization, restoration of control of the border, appropriate legislative
and institutional support for the elections.
• The Ministry of Interior of Ukraine, the Prosecutor General's Office should
improve efficiency of investigation of criminal violations committed during
the election process.
• The Criminal Code of Ukraine and the Code of Administrative Offenses
should be improved in the part related to strengthening liability for illegal
influence on expression of citizens' will, bribery, administrative resource,
threats, intimidation, and pressure.
• The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Central Election Commission
should develop a clear mechanism for organizing elections on the Ukrainian
territories that will be released in the future.
17. 15A lost vote. Is this a lifetime silence?
Table of contents
T
his publication is made possible by the gener-
ous support from the American people through
the United States Agency for International De-
velopment (USAID) within the framework of the Hu-
man Rights in Action Project being implemented by
the Ukrainian Helsinki Human Rights Union.
The contents are the responsibility of the authors and
do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or
the United States Government.
The American people, through the U.S. Agency for Inter-
national Development (USAID), have provided economic
and humanitarian assistance worldwide for over 55 years.
In Ukraine, USAID’s assistance focuses on three areas:
Health and Social Transition, Economic Growth and De-
mocracy and Governance. USAID has provided 1.8 bln.
technical and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine since
1992. For additional information about USAID programs
in Ukraine, please visit our website: http://ukraine.usaid.
govor our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/
USAIDUkraine.
The expert assessment of the report is per-
formed by the International Foundation for
Electoral Systems (IFES)