You should agree that words "charity" and "patronage" became an indicator of ambitious intentions of certain politicians or parties. The increase in activity of Chernihiv Mayor Oleksandr Sokolov before elections was anticipated by local experts and regional mass media for a long time. Therefore, the public "named" creation of Charitable Foundation "The Future of Chernihiv" as the launch of campaign for parliamentary elections in district #205 by the Mayor of Chernihiv.

According to the regional mass-media, early signs of Mr. Sokolov's intention to become an MP appeared in the beginning of June already. Bill-boards advertising Charitable Foundation "The Future of Chernihiv" mushroomed on the city streets.

After all, a presentation of newly-created fund was held on14 June, participated by representatives of local mass media. The Administrative Board is formed by Oleksandr Sokolov himself, City Council Secretary Oleh Sheremet, and unknown in political circles jurist Mykola Torbeyev, who became the chairman of the fund.

New media specialist didn't make them wait too long. A page in social network Facebook was created on the same day, where activity of the fund is presented as a civic organization, created for improving of coordination between Chernihiv citizens and the local authorities by the civil society principles. Only ideas and activities for improving the whole city will be sponsored, a personal support for citizens is not going to be provided.

"Usually, elections put people in political "corners", are distracting from the most important things, and creating the certain confrontation between them, - Mayor of Chernihiv comments on creation of the Foundation.  - Our activities are aimed not only on the present issues; we want to think about the future. Our organization is going to unite Chernihis citizens, regardless of their political views! The crucial thing - is a devotion to the city."

At the same time, Oleksandr Sokolov suggests the possibility of participation in the race in 2012. He talked to journalists of a Chernihiv edition on this topic.

We remind that Oleksandr Sokolov participated in local elections as an unaffiliated candidate. However, his views are close to those of the party in power. Mr. Sokolov denied the intention to run in Parliamentary elections for a long time. The only strong opponent of Mr. Sokolov is the MP Valerii Dubil, who have been engaging the electorate of Chernihiv for a long time. According to the Polissia Foundation for International and Regional Studies, the current Mayor has the highest rating among all potential candidates in majoritarian district #205.

Therefore, there is high a probability, that in case Oleksandr Sokolov wins the the elections in winter, Chernihiv citizens will have to choose a new Mayor. For the second time in the history of Chernihiv the effective Mayor will participate in Parliamentary elections. There was a similar situation with Mykola Rudkovskyi before.

Detailed information:
Yevhenii Romanenko
Coordinator of electoral programs of the Civil Network OPORA
in Chernihiv oblast
068 386 60 54

Note:
Civic monitoring conducted by OPORA- is a type of network activity, aimed at impartial assessment of the preparation and conduct of elections, as well as preventing violations through comprehensive civic action. Professional monitoring at all stages of the election process indirectly influences the quality of the campaign. The public opinion, both foreign and domestic is formed through gathering and spreading of information among the target audience. From a strategic perspective public monitoring of elections focuses upon improving the system and certain procedures. In 2012, during Parliamentary elections in Ukraine OPORA implements a large-scale campaign of long- and short term observation, organizes a statistical vote-count by the results of voting with the proportional component of the electoral system on a basis of representative selection, will provide 100% coverage of polling stations by observers in separate single-mandate majoritarian districts. OPORA observers will work in all 225 electoral districts, and 3,500 activists will join them on the voting day. Organization will use the latest means of spreading information on observation results, including infographics and interactive maps.