The FINANCIAL — The mission of Polish observers from Sejm, Polish local authorities and experts consider the presidential election in Ukraine to be transparent and held in line with European democratic standards, the mission representatives told reporters.
Twenty-four Polish observers visited 50 polling stations in Sumy region, and electoral headquarters of leading candidates for the presidency in Kyiv.
The observes appeared to be pleasantly surprised by organization of the election, activity of voters, and attentiveness of election commission members, Kristof Lontka, observer, vice mayor of Lublin, said.
"As soon as we came to the election board and commission members saw us be not from that region, they got interested about the aim of our visit. So, we indicated public control," he said.
After the presidential election Ukraine should come closer to Europe, said another observer, expert Jan Pomorski.
"European standards were fully observed. There is nothing to be ashamed of," he added.
Besides, Polish observers claimed unadjusted procedure for home voting that might affect further election transparency.
About 1.5% of voters wished to vote at home in Sumy, while in the districts their number grew up to 10% or even 20%, Lontka said.
"The percentage may affect further election transparency," he said.
He considers such a big number of voters willing to vote outside polling stations to be abnormal.
The observers think three-men field commission managed to guarantee election transparency during the first round of the election, while in the runoff election with only 2 presidential contenders they may face difficulties with commission creation.
Marius Kaminski, observer, Sejm deputy, expressed hope the political situation in Ukraine would be stable in the runoff election and after.
Democratic processes in Ukraine have advanced since 2004 proved by the yesterday's elections, he added.
As Ukrainian News reported, the Ukrainian Voters Committee reports about a lack of serious and systemic irregularities during the January 17 presidential election which could affect total election returns.
Voting in January 17 presidential election was held within 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
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