Transcarpathian Regional State Administration will not interfere in the electoral process – Vasyl Hubal

The head of the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration Vasyl Hubal met with Karen Benedict Skipper and John Michael Landry – long-term observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on the early election of deputies of Ukraine that will take place on October 26, 2014.

At the first, rather introductory, meeting, representatives of OSCE asked the head of the region about the role of the RSA in the election. Vasyl Hubal clearly outlined the principles: firstly, the regional government should not interfere in the process if it takes place without violations that need response within the authority. The head of the region said: "We consider any use of administrative resources impossible." Thirdly, the election must be transparent. Here, the head of the region believes, the role of all observers, as well as election commission members is very important, and it is hoped that only experienced and, most importantly, responsible people will work there. For now, Vasyl Hubal said, there have been no significant complaints about the electoral process in the region – no gross violations of electoral legislation that would put into question the legitimacy of the elections have occured.

 Mrs. Skipper and Mr. Landry, in turn, said that they were preparing several reports on the election process in the region. Mr. John Michael said that he was pleased to work in Transcarpathia – a relatively quiet region, as he had had a difficult experience during previous missions in Kharkiv. The observer expects the westernmost region to have the image of the most European one, and elections to be held in accordance with the laws of Ukraine and international standards. The "messengers" of the OSCE also stressed: "We are just observers, we are not election police", implying that their primary objective is to record violations rather than to eliminate them. In turn, the head of the RSA asked to report all problems that may arise before the election so that the regional state administration could influence – of course, within the limits of their powers.

During the meeting with Vasyl Hubal, foreign guests were also interested in the practice of holding political rallies in the region, the gender situation during the election, activity of anti-Maidan / pro-Russian groups and the rights of minorities in the process of election.

Vasyl Hubal answered the questions and expressed the hope that the OSCE would have the best experience – both in Transcarpathia in general and during the election in our region, which, it is hoped, will be held in accordance with the law and in a transparent manner.