The Ukrainian parliament, Verkhovna Rada, has recently passed a significant law that will have a major impact on the country’s political landscape. The law, titled «On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on the Procedure for Formation of Local Self-Government Bodies and the Conduct of Local Elections,» was adopted with an overwhelming majority of votes. This decision has been hailed as a crucial step towards strengthening democracy and decentralization in Ukraine.
The new law aims to improve the process of forming local self-government bodies and conducting local elections. It introduces a number of changes to the existing legislation, including amendments to the Law on Local Self-Government in Ukraine, the Law on the Status of Deputies of Local Councils, and the Law on Elections of Deputies of Local Councils. These changes are expected to bring more transparency, fairness, and efficiency to the local election process.
One of the key changes introduced by the law is the reduction of the electoral threshold for local elections from 5% to 3%. This means that political parties and blocs will now have a better chance of winning seats in local councils, giving them a stronger voice and representation at the local level. This change is seen as a positive step towards promoting pluralism and diversity in local government.
Moreover, the law also establishes a new procedure for the formation of local self-government bodies. Under the new rules, the head of the local state administration will be responsible for initiating the formation of a new local council within 30 days after the election results are officially announced. This will help to streamline the process and reduce the possibility of political interference in local elections.
The adoption of this law is a significant achievement for the Ukrainian government and demonstrates their commitment to democratic principles and decentralization. It is also a clear message to the international community that Ukraine is moving towards a more transparent and accountable system of local governance.
The Verkhovna Rada’s decision has been met with widespread praise and support from various political parties, civil society organizations, and international partners. President Volodymyr Zelensky has described the adoption of the law as a «historic moment» and emphasized that it will pave the way for a new era of local self-government in Ukraine.
The law has also been welcomed by the European Union, which has been a strong supporter of Ukraine’s decentralization efforts. In a statement, the EU’s Ambassador to Ukraine, Matti Maasikas, said, «This is a major step forward in the decentralization reform and will bring more democracy, accountability, and transparency to local government.»
The adoption of this law is a reflection of the Verkhovna Rada’s commitment to democratic values and its determination to continue the process of decentralization in Ukraine. It is also a testament to the country’s progress towards European integration and its efforts to align with international standards of good governance.
In conclusion, the adoption of the law «On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on the Procedure for Formation of Local Self-Government Bodies and the Conduct of Local Elections» is a significant development in Ukraine’s political landscape. It will bring positive changes to the local election process and strengthen democracy at the grassroots level. This decision is a clear indication of the Verkhovna Rada’s determination to promote democratic values and ensure fair and transparent local elections.
