Ukrainian Canadian Congress starts new election observer mission in Ukraine

The Official Opening of the Ukrainian Parliamentary Election Observer Mission sponsored by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress took place at the Sport Hotel in Kyiv on September 24, 2007.

Up to one hundred twenty-six Canadian observers were greeted by the Head of Mission, UCC President Orysia Sushko, the Chairman of Election Committee Emil Yereniuk, the Ambassador of Canada in Ukraine Abina M. Dann, the Chief Observer Ron Chyczij, and the Coordinator of In-Country Logistics Olya Sheweli. Doris Wong from CIDA and Inna Tsarkova from the Canadian Embassy were also present at the official opening.

Speakers expressed their sincere gratitude both to the UCC team that has worked tirelessly since May 2007 to prepare for this year’s mission, and also to the observers for offering their time, resources and devotion to this vital cause to support the democratic process in Ukraine.

This is the fifth Observer Mission sponsored by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress within the past three years. During this period of time almost 1000 Ukrainian Canadians have served as international election observers in both the Presidential and Parliamentary elections. Thirty-three observers with no experience with elections in Ukraine are involved this year. UCC volunteers represent virtually all the provinces in Canada – from coast to coast, from New Brunswick to British Columbia.

UCC observers have a great responsibility to act impartially in supporting democratic processes in Ukraine, to carry out their duties as representatives of Canadian democratic tradition, and as citizens who know that democratic institutions and free choice are the basis for individual, national and international development. The UCC does not endorse individual candidates, political parties or coalitions – its only goal is to help ensure that the decision of Ukrainian voters is made without illegal interference and that the results are respected by electoral authorities. The UCC is mandated to assist Ukraine in the process of democratization and work with the Canadian government in developing positive working relations with the Ukrainian government.

After undergoing training sessions in Kyiv, the UCC observers will be deployed in fifteen regions across Ukraine where they will begin fulfilling their responsibilities in earnest.