Remarks on the Ukrainian Elections
Adam Ereli, Deputy Spokesman
United States Department of State
Washington, DC
November 1, 2004

Mr. Ereli: We would first note that this presidential election certainly represents one of the most important events in Ukraine since independence and it is our desire to see Ukraine develop as a free, independent, democratic and prosperous member of the European community of nations.

We note that the OSCE observer mission has said the presidential campaign and October 31st election did not meet a considerable number of international standards for democratic elections. We are disappointed in this, and we share the OSCE's assessment that this election "constitutes a step backward" from Ukraine's 2002 elections.

In particular, we would note that the campaign was marked by serious violations, and that there were significant irregularities on election day, although high participation levels of the electorate and civil society were encouraging.

Looking ahead, we see the second round of the election on November 21st as an opportunity for Ukraine to affirm its commitments to democratic principles, and we urge the Ukrainian authorities to allow the people of Ukraine to choose freely and to adhere -- and for the government to adhere scrupulously to international accepted standards for tabulating and registering results.