Ensuring free elections

The long day for Ukraine in the framework of the Asia-Europe summit in Milan (16-17 October) failed to untangle all the knots, while the meeting between Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko did not and could not achieve the objectives of a hoped-for peace. And while in Milan European and Asian leaders discussed new economic contracts amidst handshakes and gala dinners, Ukraine is about to experience one of the most important moments in its history after Maidan’s revolt: the elections of 26 October. This crucial event will determine the composition of the new Parliament, and hence also the future of the reforms necessary for the country’s fresh start. But the challenge is high: Ukraine is a country at war and tensions in the capital remain high. At present the ‘hope is that the elections may be democratic and free. Contending political groups. Hence on 26 October Ukraine will go to the polls. The decision was taken by president Petro Poroshenko after having dissolved the Parliament of Kiev – the “Verkhovna Rada” – on August 25. Thirty political parties will be running in the early parliamentary elections but only two of these have the potential to exceed the minimum threshold of 5%. These are, according to the polls, the bloc of Poroshenko, the President’s political group, followed at a great distance by the radical party of Oleg Liashko. “These elections – said Oxana Pachlovska, a professor of Ukrainian language and literature – are a tool that could help change the political landscape in Ukraine. The matter at stake is the replacement of the old political leadership with a new one in the hope that this ruling class may take care of the Country, proceed with the reforms and especially open a new, coherent and determined avenue towards Europe”. Russian provocations. In Kiev, however, tensions are still high. On Tuesday, October 14, thousands of nationalists and right-wing extremists protested outside the Houses of Parliament in Kiev and at least 26 members of the security forces were injured in the clashes. “What has happened – said Pachlovska – is a clear signal of a change in Russian politics. Experts say – and I share this view – that Russia is ending its plans for the eastern part of Ukraine because it cannot support the conflict. Putin has changed his strategy and is focusing his forces on the elections in order to trigger – through provocations, clashes and riots – further tensions throughout the country, thereby exposing its weakness and preparing the grounds to ensure Parliamentary presence of pro-Putin forces. The professor believes that this is a concrete danger and added that according to some news outlets there are currently 700 Russian agents in Kiev. “On the other hand – adds the scholar – provocation is a very dangerous weapon, especially in a country at war, where many people have died and many others have lost everything. In a Country economically worn out, there are clearly many people who are unhappy with the present situation. In such a climate, it is easy to ignite the minds, and protest against those in power. If we wish to obtain a concrete result with the election we must ensure that it takes place according to European standards”. Conflict and refugees. In the meantime, people continue shooting and dying in the Eastern Donbass Region. Despite the agreement signed on September 20 in the Belarusian capital of Minsk on the cease-fire, the deal is constantly infringed by daily bombardment with artillery and mortars, and attempts by the pro-Russian rebel troops to assault Donetsk airport. “One of the main tasks of the Church – said from Kiev Father Mykhaylo Melnyk – is to help internally displaced people from Crimea and from eastern cities. More than 375 thousand people inside Ukraine are fleeing from their own homes. If the crisis continues much longer, the situation for many people will be unsustainable. Furthermore, the Ukrainian society is unable to provide adequate support to migration. This is the challenge the Church is called to address: “How can we help people, refugees, but also the people who cannot flee from the conflict areas?” Ukraine today needs peace and democracy but it also needs the “international community’s support, to organize an efficient and systematic way to help displaced people throughout Ukraine, especially those in the areas of Donetsk and Luhansk”.