Svitlana Matviienko, Chairwoman of the Board of the Agency for Legislative Initiatives, took part in the press conference “Risks of the poll during the elections”. During the event, experts from NGOs (Center for Political and Legal Reforms, OPORA Civic Network, IFES Ukraine, Reanimation Package of Reforms – RPR) discussed the feasibility and legality of conducting a “nationwide poll”, and in fact – a referendum on election day.
The position of the Agency for Legislative Initiatives is clear, in contrast to the authorities’ actions – without a clear legal basis, written procedures, and awareness of the consequences, Ukraine citizens should not participate in the survey. Svitlana Matviienko explained why:
“The nationwide poll announced by the president is, in fact, a consultative referendum. We call this the formation of a voter’s deceptive involvement in the processes that are taking place. An analysis of the procedures for conducting this poll and the format of the president’s communication gives an understanding of why all this is being done.
The poll is conducted to ensure that voters come to the polls and support the trend of “closeness of the politician to the people”. This will be one of the most difficult elections in the history of Ukraine. Instead of educating voters and protecting citizens in elections, the authorities form a “simple dialogue with citizens.”
I’m worried about money. We have not yet heard at what cost the survey will be conducted. Any experts understand that the classic sociological survey will be much cheaper, more adequate and relevant, and, most importantly – reliable and legitimate. For our part, we urge citizens of Ukraine not to take part in these polls because there is no legal basis for this, much less a wise reason to be further endangered during a pandemic”.
