For the first round of voting on January 17, CANADEM deployed six long term observers and 60 short term observers. These were seconded to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe's Office for Democratic Governance and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) electoral observation mission. Since the first round of voting was inconclusive, these 66 observers also observed the second round on February 7th.

For the second round of vote in Ukraine, CANADEM has mounted, in addition to the OSCE-led mission, an independent stand-alone mission of 200 observers, dubbed Mission Canada as announced on January 15 by the Hon.Bev Oda, P.C., M.P., Minister of International Cooperation.

All observers were deployed with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Independent Canadian Observer Mission Presents Preliminary Observation Report on Ukrainian Presidential Election 

Monday 8 February 2010

“No election is immune to irregularities and challenges, and we are continuing to gather detailed information from our in-field observers,” concluded Sen. Andreychuk.  “Based on reports already received, however, the more significant voting irregularities we observed were not systemic, and appear to have been insufficient in scope and effect to call into question the integrity of the voting process.”

The mission’s objective was to observe and report on whether the election result genuinely reflected the democratic expression of the voters of Ukraine. The Canadian observers sought to observe, record, and report while in no way interfering or intervening in any electoral processes.

The Canadian observers were present at the opening of polling stations, observed the electoral process throughout the day, and witnessed the closings of polls.  The mission observed a generally well-organized balloting process, and a genuine broad desire among the public and electoral commissions for a free and open vote.

With the exception of minor disturbances, voters had unhindered access to polling stations, and voted generally without intimidation. The balloting, counting and reporting were generally secure and in accordance with governing statutes.  The mission concluded that the desire of the Ukrainian people to exercise a fair vote appears to have been realized.

“While acknowledging that the Central Electoral Commission has yet to officially pronounce on the election, our preliminary assessment is that the results will reflect the genuine will of Ukrainian voters, and that the electoral process was fair and transparent,” concluded Senator Andreychuk.

Mission Canada was undertaken by the Canadian NGO CANADEM, with the financial support of the Government of Canada provided through the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). CANADEM is a highly respected Canadian electoral observation organization, and is the Canadian Government's international election observer implementing partner.

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For information: Yaroslav Baran, Deputy Chief of Mission (Communications)

(613) 301-8802 Canada.  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it