17 November 2011 in Rivne was held public discussion on the electoral reform in Ukraine.
Event was organized by the Civic Consortium of election initiatives, which united NGOs, specialized in the election law and election process.
In discussion participated 30 experts that represented government, political parties, NGOs and mass media.
To participants was also presented a publication “Electoral reform for everybody” which highlighted problematic issues of the election reform in Ukraine concerning national traditions and international experience.
Co-organizer of the event Roman Martyn stated that similar discussions are aimed at attraction of wide circle of civic experts and everyone who is interested in reforming electoral legislation, providing conditions for the effective dialogue between authorities, civic experts, voters and subjects of electoral process, and also producing recommendations to the electoral legislation.
Leader of electoral programs of Civic Network OPORA Olha Aivazovska presented data of nationwide expert poll, in which 500 experts were inquired about their opinion on the main provisions of electoral law. In particular, she stated that the majority of experts agreed on the necessity of introduction of the proportional electoral system with open party lists in Ukraine.
Local experts also joined the discussion. They talked about the issue of influencing the process of government formation and mandate distribution by the electoral system, raised the question of the electoral process financing
Sometimes we can hear that it doesn’t matter what kind of electoral system we use. The most important thing, is that people would come and vote, - says a lecturer of the Ostroh Academy Serhii Rybachok. – In fact, it’s not true. The electoral system is very important. It’s the first thing that influences basic methods of the government formation. I’m personally against the majoritarian system in Ukraine. It’s not appropriate for us. The best for today could be the proportional system with open party lists.
Sometimes we can hear that it doesn’t matter what kind of electoral system we use. The most important thing, is that people would come and vote.
When the population votes for parties which are not going to pass, it creates a reserve of votes which will be later distributed between winners, - the lecturer explains nuances regulated by the electoral system. - Many people don't know that. That's why we need to raise the political awareness of Ukrainians.
Regional representative of the Association of Political Consultants of Ukraine Tamila Herasymchuk noted – conduction of modern qualitative elections is expensive. Therefore, timely and regular financing on every stage of elections is a necessary condition for their success. Of course, winning elections by financial means is impossible, but conducting successful campaign without financial support is extremely difficult. That’s why participants of elections conduct a fundraising, using both direct and indirect sources of funding.
The type of electoral system - continues Ms Tamila - depends on financial possibilities of the state, but it's widely known, that elections by the proportional system with closed lists are the cheapest, and by mixed - the most expensive. The question arises: does Ukraine need to come back to the mixed system in current economical situation? The answer is obvious.
Press conference is implemented within the project”Assistance in further strengthening the election process in Ukraine” funded by the European Union and supported by the OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine.