Ukrainian Police Searches For Forged Voting Ballots

MOSCOW, Russia -- The parliamentary election in Ukraine is set for the next week, and authorities have already stepped up efforts against violations. President Viktor Yushchenko said on Saturday over 50 criminal cases involving violations of the election law were opened.

Yaroslav Davydovich, the head of the Ukrainian Central Election Commission (foreground), and Vladimir Litvin, the chairman of the Supreme Rada (background)
The Ukrainian police reported that forged ballots may appear at polling stations. Remuneration has been promised to those who will help find forgers.

As the voting day is approaching, the Ukrainian authorities stepped up efforts to prevent violations at the election. Ukrainian President Yushchenko said in a Saturday weekly address to the nation that dozens of criminal cases had been opened on violations of the election law. Most of them are to probe in attacks on canvassers in Donbass and Western Ukraine.

Yaroslav Davydovich, the head of the Ukrainian Central Election Commission, is convinced, however, that the campaign “goes on almost perfectly”. “During the 2004 presidential election campaign, we received scores of complaints on violations and use of authority resource almost every day.

In contrast, we have not received a single one today, for example.” The 2006 election is going to be the first fair voting in Ukraine, Mr. Davydovich believes.

Nonprofit organizations are not that upbeat. Serious problems may arise from the fact that elections of different levels are held on the one day, according to the Committee of Voters of Ukraine.

Independent experts fear that there can be confusion at polling stations as mayors, deputies of the Supreme Rada and local legislators are to be elected on the one day.

The Ukrainian Interior Ministry also anticipates violations. Minister Yury Lutsenko said that they expect forged ballots to be issued on the election day.

The Interior Minister promised a gratuity for those who will help find forged ballots and their producers. $60,000 has been allocated to these ends.

Source: Kommersant