ELECTIONS IN THE UKRAINE

Early day motion 167, tabled 24 November 2004 by Anne Campbell (Labour). Signed by 56 members.

That this House notes with concern the way the presidential election has been conducted in Ukraine; is concerned about reports of voting irregularities and election day fraud and manipulation; regrets that pro-Yushchenko groups have suffered accusations of plotting terrorist attacks, that Mr Yushchenko was possibly subjected to an attempt on his life and that pro-Government TV channels gave uncritical coverage to Mr Yanukovych and displayed unacceptable media bias in advance of the poll; further regrets that the elections do not appear to have conformed with European democratic norms and have failed to meet a number of OSCE conditions; recognises the courage of the Ukrainian people who have peacefully demonstrated for a transparent electoral process; and calls on the UK Government to make clear its support for democratic rights and the importance of free and fair elections.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Conservative 7, Labour/Co-operative 5, Liberal Democrat 4, DUP 2, UUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1.