UKRAINE

Kiev, Zaporizhzhya, Sieverodonetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Luhans'k, Yalta, Lviv, Odessa

Nature of Business:

• Canada was invited to provide international (Canadian) election observers for the:
• Presidential elections (Orange Revolution) 2004.
• Parliamentary elections 2006.
• Parliamentary elections 2007.

Challenges:

• Maintain an unbiased position.
• Communication in Ukrainian and Russian.
• Create a presence that encouraged fair elections.
• Uncover actions (or not) at polling stations not consistant with Ukrainian election rules.
• Understand cultural habits as to providing true information.
• Dealing with local harassment and intimidation of international election observers.

Resolution:

• An interpreter and driver were provided.
• Keeping alert to discrepancies in actions and processes.
• Maintaining a professional demenor without ever stating personal opinions or showing preferences accompanied with patience and persistence.
• Maintain safe conduct in adverse situations.
• Calling for security when unable to stop extended intimidation, interference and harassment.

Welcoming seminars for Canadian Election Observers in Kiev, Ukraine.

Symbol of Ukrainian nationalism.

Ukrainian folk scenes of Kiev painted on lacquered boxes.

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