UCC & CUF Call for Long-Term Election Observers

For Immediate Release – 17 April 2012

Call for Long-term Election Observers for Ukraine 2012 Parliamentary Elections

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress and the Canada Ukraine Foundation, which have successfully monitored several elections in Ukraine since 2004, are organizing an Election Observer Mission for the 2012 Parliamentary Elections, scheduled for October 28, 2012.

UCC-CUF is looking for highly-qualified individuals to serve as long-term election observers (LTOs) on the ground in Ukraine. These LTOs will be responsible for: i) monitoring the run-up to the elections in Ukraine to ensure that the election is being organized in a fair and transparent manner; ii) monitoring such things as voter’s lists and the voters’ register; iii) monitoring access of parties and candidates to mass media; iv) monitoring the formation of election commissions; and v) overseeing the formation of new electoral boundaries for the 225 districts, the registration of single mandate district candidates, and the electoral campaign.

Availability and a commitment from June 1 to November 3 is desirable, but shorter time commitments from highly qualified individuals will also be considered. Election experience in Canada and/or Ukraine is an asset. Applicants must be Canadian citizens and have a good working knowledge of Ukrainian and/or Russian.Financial arrangements will be discussed and determined with the successful applicants. All direct expenses for LTOs will be covered.

In order to apply, please send a detailed CV, a filled-out questionnaire and indicate the dates of your availability to ukrelection2012@gmail.com. Questions may be directed to the UCC office, Winnipeg, at 204-942-4627 or 1-866-942-4627.

The deadline to submit applications is May 15, 2012.

UCC-CUF will also be sending a large mission of short-term observer (STOs) to monitor the immediate timeframe around election day. More information will be available on short-term observers shortly. If you are interested in serving as an STO please email your contact information to ukrelection2012@gmail.com and you will receive detailed instructions in the near future.

Ukraine is at a historical crossroads and it is essential that this election meet the norms for democratic elections during Ukraine’s continued journey toward democracy. The voice and vote of the people of Ukraine in these elections are as critical, if not more so, as they were during the Orange Revolution.

Support the Ukrainian democratic process by becoming

an internationally accredited election observer!

UCC Media Contact:

Darla Penner
Telephone: (204) 942-4627
Email: dpenner@ucc.ca
Website: www.ucc.ca