Yushchenko says amendments to presidential election law a threat to democracy

President Viktor Yushchenko

President Viktor Yushchenko notes that the amendments to the law on presidential elections with the present wording are dangerous for democracy and transparent elections of the head of state.

"The bill in this context is dangerous for democracy in Ukraine. To my mind, it throws us back for 3-4 years and makes a system of electing president more closed," Viktor Yushchenko said this in Rivne (West Ukraine).

The Head of State is confident that this law, like the law on nationwide referendum he had vetoed, is a serious 'attack against democratic, in particular, political processes in Ukraine'.

The President explained that the bill passed in the first reading envisages the formation of election commissions by parliamentary parties, though the matter concerns nationwide election of president.

Yushchenko is also concerned about a procedure of legal support in all stages of elections, lack of the possibility of one or another candidate to appeal a decision of his/her withdrawal from elections. The Head of State also doubts a thesis that disputes about the process and election returns must be sent for consideration to one court.

UKRINFORM