On Ukraine’s March 31, 2019 Presidential Election
As delivered by Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Harry R. Kamian
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
April 4, 2019
As the United States has noted before, ODIHR has a tried and tested elections observation methodology that has earned it a sterling reputation among regional organizations, governments, civil society, and the public. Together with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, it delivers high quality observation that offers a transparent assessment of their electoral processes and leaders.
The United States welcomes the preliminary findings and conclusions of the OSCE observer mission to the March 31 first round presidential election in Ukraine. The mission assessed the election as competitive, with fundamental freedoms generally respected and candidates able to campaign freely. Voters had a broad choice and turned out in high numbers, and the atmosphere was largely peaceful. We urge Ukraine to work with ODIHR to address deficiencies identified in the preliminary statement, including allegations of the misuse of state resources.
The United States looks forward to a second round on April 21 that adheres to OSCE principles and commitments. By again allowing OSCE election observers, Ukraine will increase the transparency of the process, consistent with its OSCE commitments.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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