Sixty OSCE PA observers arriving in Ukraine for parliamentary elections

“Following an important presidential election earlier this year, Ukraine has another opportunity with these parliamentary elections to demonstrate its commitment to democratic development and reform. I hope to continue our good co-operation with Ukrainian authorities and to observe a dynamic, competitive election,” said Finnish parliamentarian Ilkka Kanerva who was appointed as Special Co-ordinator and leader of the short-term OSCE observer mission, OSCE PA reports.

Kanerva has led a number of observer missions in the past, including to the first round of last spring’s presidential election in Ukraine. As Special Co-ordinator, Kanerva will deliver the joint statement of preliminary findings and conclusions at a press conference in Kyiv on 22 July.

“These parliamentary elections are important not only for Ukraine but also for the whole of the OSCE region. I hope to see peaceful and competitive elections that ultimately help deliver stability, security and progress for the Ukrainian people,” added French parliamentarian Sereine Mauborgne, who will serve as Head of the OSCE PA’s observer mission.

For the 21 July Ukrainian elections, the OSCE PA will work closely with observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and the European Parliament.

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