July 26, 2019

Serving the people of Ukraine

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The people of Ukraine have once again made their free choice. This time in the parliamentary elections of July 21, which were the result of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s announcement, in his inaugural address on May 20, that he was dissolving the Verkhovna Rada. Just as they astounded the world by electing a political newcomer – an actor-comedian – as their president with 73 percent of the vote on April 21, Ukraine’s voters have astonished observers by giving the new president’s new party, Servant of the People, not simply a plurality, but a commanding majority in the Verkhovna Rada. 

So, what was the electorate of Ukraine looking for? First and foremost: change, a break from the past. As newly inaugurated President Zelenskyy had said, “My election proves that our citizens are tired of the experienced, pompous system politicians who over the [last] 28 years have created a country of opportunities – the opportunities to bribe, steal and pluck the resources.” Now the people of Ukraine have once again spoken loudly and clearly, though voter turnout for the parliamentary vote (49.84 percent) was lower than for the second round of the presidential election (61.37 percent). 

The election observation missions of both the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and the Ukrainian World Congress reported that the parliamentary elections “met international standards.” Lloyd Axworthy, head of Mission Canada 2019, said, “Ukrainians have affirmed their commitment to democratic development by electing a new Parliament in an election that largely met international democratic standards.” The U.S. State Department hailed the “peaceful and historic parliamentary elections, which delivered a clear result and underscored Ukrainians’ commitment to democratic ideals.”

As for the election results themselves, the news could be both good and bad. Where some see an opportunity to propel reform now that many vested interests have been ousted from the Verkhovna Rada, others are concerned about the number of inexperienced newcomers to the Parliament – more than two-thirds of the national deputies elected are new faces – and worry about the multiple challenges ahead. Yes, President Zelenskyy and his party have received an unprecedented mandate for change, but there is also the danger of rule by one party – a party whose policies remain unclear – and the concentration of power in the hands of the Zelenskyy team. Time will tell how serious the new president and the new Parliament are about reforms in Ukraine and whether they are dedicated to safeguarding or enhancing the gains already made in establishing Ukraine on the international arena, defending its territorial integrity and protecting its language and culture.

A fitting reaction to the elections came from the national president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, whose leaders met with President Zelenskyy during his recent visit to Toronto. “Ukraine’s new Parliament has a strong mandate from the Ukrainian people to deliver on reforms,” said Alexandra Chyczij, adding “We expect to see ongoing Euro-Atlantic integration, promotion and protection of the Ukrainian language as the sole state language, and continuation of necessary reforms.”

Our wish for our ancestral homeland: May the Servant of the People party live up to its name and truly serve the long-suffering people of Ukraine. The expectations, and hopes, of the people are great. May they not be disappointed.

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