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Election Observation Mission of Canadian Parliamentarians: Ukraine chooses Viktor Yanukovych as President Ottawa, February 8, 2010 – Five members of the Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), led by the Honourable Consiglio Di Nino, Senator, participated in the International Election Observation Mission in Ukraine[1]. In the second round of the Presidential Election held February 7, 2010, Ukrainians chose Mr. Yanukovych as their new President. The preliminary results favored Mr. Yanukovych over the current Prime Minister, Ms. Yulia Tymoshenko by a margin of about 3%. Official results will be announced later. These elections were judged to conform to most OSCE and Council of Europe standards and of very good quality. The hard fought and at times bitter campaign gave Ukrainians a clear choice, resulting in some 70% of eligible voters casting their ballots, despite difficult weather conditions in many parts of the country. “Clearly the real winners in this election are the Ukrainian people who have passionately embraced democracy”, said Senator Di Nino, Head of the Canadian Delegation to the OSCE PA. Also participating in the International Election Observation Mission were Members of Parliament David Christopherson from Hamilton Centre, Peter Goldring from Edmonton East, Monique Guay from Rivière-du-Nord and Martha Hall Findlay from Willowdale. Observing the election from Kharkiv, David Christopherson explained: “Our focus was on the process of a free, fair and transparent election which, from my personal observations, they succeeded in achieving.” From Donetsk, Peter Goldring said: “The legacy of the Orange Revolution, the free expression of democratic will, was demonstrated fully at the many polls I visited. Ukrainians I spoke with on election day were confident this was a free and fair election.” Monique Guay was observing the election in Crimea, a region she qualified as distinctive for historical purposes. She added: “We have observed more enthusiasm for the second round than with the first round. Turnout was higher since the issue was greater. Democracy has spoken, it must now be respected.” From Odessa, Martha Hall Findlay concluded: “This election is a positive legacy of the Orange Revolution of 2004, which discarded a flawed election and forced a second one that ultimately, democratically, reflected the will of the Ukrainian people. The conduct of this election shows that Ukrainians have embraced democracy, and its key elements of an open media, due and transparent process, and vigorous challenge and debate. I was proud to have participated even in a small way.” - 30 -
For information, please contact: Mr. Maxime Ricard, Association Secretary, Canadian Delegation to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly - 613-944-7369.
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