The Central Election Commission member Yurii Miroshnychenko took part in the annual forum “Effective local governance as a key to a democracy and rule of law in the country”. The event was held was on November 28-29 in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region. It was supported by the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine and brought together representatives of central and local executive bodies.

The purpose of the Forum was to discuss the state and prospects of the development of local self-government in Ukraine, in particular in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, current legislative regulation issues, European experience and standards in the relevant sphere.

Yurii Miroshnychenko emphasized the importance of such events and public discussions for achieving a common goal – ensuring and protection of the electoral rights of citizens: “The CEC invites all national and international experts, civil society actors and local communities to work together actively and systematically”.

During the panel discussion “The next local elections: risks or new opportunities?” were discussed key topics, including a new bill draft on local elections, the electoral rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

In addition to speech in the mentioned discussion, Yurii Miroshnychenko also participated in a panel discussion “Protection of the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Ukraine”. During one were considered issues of court practice, issues of providing housing and compensation for destroyed housing, regional programs for support and integration of IDPs.

The forum was attended by Members of Parliament of Ukraine, representatives of the central and local executive bodies, local governance bodies and their associations, representatives of expert and scientific environment and international partners (more than 200 people in total).

For solving reform issues in accordance with European standards, this Forum is a platform for effective dialogue between the legislative and the executive bodies, as well as the local government: “The realization of electoral rights of citizens during local elections, especially of internally displaced persons, is one of the main priorities of both the CEC and the Parliament today”, summed up the Central Election Commission member Yurii Miroshnychenko.