On February 22, the Governmental Committee chaired by the First Vice Prime Minister Stepan Kubiv has supported overall the propositions from the Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the National Police and Civil Network OPORA concerning the Draft Law of Ukraine on Making Amendments to Some Legislative Acts Aimed to Strengthen Liability for Violation of Electoral Legislation.

On 5 February, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has published an updated list of candidates for members of the CEC. Although the number of candidates is the same – 14 persons for 13 vacant seats – some names have changed.

Civil Network OPORA informs that it has refused from participation in public event “Independent analysis, cooperation with the government, and support of the reforms: why analytical centers matter in modern Ukraine”, which will be conducted in Kyiv on 30 January 2018.

Most of the candidates for members of the Central Election Commission support the guaranteeing of electoral rights for all citizens including internally displaced persons. They have announced such position on a public discussion “New Quality of the CEC”, organized by the Civil Network OPORA.

The Central Election Commission has scheduled the first local elections in 40 united territorial communities in 17 oblasts of Ukraine for 29 April 2018. The corresponding decision was taken on February 16 meeting.

Candidates for members of the Central Election Commission want to change the ideology of the CEC, increase its openness and transparency, and improve electoral legislation. These motives for employment in the Central Election Commission were presented by candidates from parliamentary factions and groups of MPs during the public discussion “New Quality of the CEC”, held by the Civil Network OPORA on February 7.

On 7 February at 4:00 PM, in the Hotel Kyiv (Triumphal hall) at the address 26/1 Hrushevskoho St., Civil Network OPORA holds a public discussion “New Quality of the CEC”, dedicated to the discussion of new CEC candidates.

Civil Network OPORA has analyzed an undated list of candidates for members of the CEC. We have also investigated why there are 14 candidates for 13 vacant positions.