On the heels of a political crisis sparked by President Yushchenko's dissolution of parliament, Ukrainian voters prepare for special September parliamentary elections.

After months of waiting, Ukrainian voters are ready to participate in a special parliamentary election scheduled for September 30, 2007. Initially, the vote was to have occurred at the end of May but appeals to the Ukrainian Constitutional Court and disagreements between political factions caused several delays. Finally, on May 27, President Viktor Yushchenko, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, and Verkhovna Rada Speaker Oleksandr Moroz announced an agreement to hold the election in September, declaring it to be valid and constitutional.

Yushchenko Dissolves Parliament

Beginning in mid-2006, the President and Parliament engaged in an eight month power struggle that culminated on April 2, 2007 when President Yushchenko dissolved Parliament. Yushchenko claimed that parliament deliberately attempted to expand its powers, passed illegitimate and unconstitutional laws, and implemented fraudulent policies disguised as national unity slogans. Yushchenko’s actions promptly threw the country into a major political crisis.

Prior to Yushchenko’s orders, the 450-seat parliament was controlled by the Alliance of National Unity (Anit-Crisis Alliance). Comprising this alliance are members of several political groups including the Party of Regions, Socialist Party of Ukraine, and the Communist Party of Ukraine.

Huge Election Costs

Ukraine’s Central Election Commission estimates the cost of this special election at 340 million hryvnias (approximately $67 million US). Yulia Tymoshenko, leader of the opposition, argues that, though it is a large expense, without the election Ukraine will lose tens of billions of dollars due to organized crime influences in the current administration of Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych.

Influential Ukrainian Political Groups

Ukraine’s most influential political groups vying for parliamentary seats in the upcoming election are (including leaders and previous seats held):

• Party of Regions (186) - Viktor Yanukovych
• Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc (129) - Yulia Tymoshenko
• Our Ukraine - Self-Defense Bloc (81) - Viktor Yushchenko
• Socialist Party of Ukraine (33) - Oleksandr Moroz
• Communist Party of Ukraine (21) - Petro Simonenko

New Political Coalitions

In early 2007, overlooking core philosophical differences, the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc and Our Ukraine -- People’s Self-Defense Bloc agreed to form a coalition, attempting to strengthen the opposition. As the September election approaches, it is rumored that these two groups are holding talks to set up a broader coalition in the new Verkhovna Rada with the Party of Regions. Both opposition groups refute these rumors, saying such an alliance would be impossible.

Latest Poll Results

An August Forum Ukraine voter poll revealed the following results(party, seats, poll %), if the election were held today (groups with less than 3% receive no seats):

• Party of Regions ................................................. 203 (29.5%)
• Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc .................................... 126 (18.3%)
• Our Ukraine - People’s Self-Defense Bloc ...... 96 (14.0%)
• Socialist Party of Ukraine .................................... 25 (3.9%)

2007 Election Results

References

“4 parties and blocs can enter to parliament – poll.” Unian News Agency. August 22, 2007.

Holley, David, Sergei L. Loiko. "Ukraine president presses early election, warns against violence." Los Angeles Times. April 4, 2007.

Maksymiuk, jan. “Ukraine: New Parliament Convenes, Sets Deadline For Coalition.” RFE/RL. May 26, 2006.

"On unscheduled elections needed 340 millions hryvnias - Y.Davydovych." Kanal 5. April 3, 2007.

“Tymoshenko Bloc, Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense Bloc Members Holding Talks On Creating Broad Coalition With Party Of Regions, Says Pora Party Member Hodunok.” Unian News Agency. August 30, 2007.

“Ukraine leaders agree on poll date.” President of Ukraine Official Website. May 27, 2007.

“Ukrainian ruling parliamentary coalition renamed as Alliance of National Unity.” Xinhua. March 24, 2007.

“Yushchenko dismissed CCU judges.” forUm. May 3, 2007.