Ukraine’s local elections are democratic, EU states

This is said in the statement of the European External Action Service released on Tuesday, an Ukrinform correspondent in Brussels reports.

"As stated in the OSCE/ODIHR's preliminary report, the elections were competitive, well-organized and the campaign generally showed respect for the democratic process. However, additional efforts are needed to further enhance the integrity of and public confidence in the electoral process," reads the statement.

It is noted that the local elections have become important step in the consolidation of the democratic governance in the country.

It is stated that the elections were held amid complicated political, economic, humanitarian and security conditions caused by the annexation of Crimea by Russia and temporary control of parts of the territory of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions by illegal armed groups.

"The holding of elections was not possible for security reasons in some government-controlled territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The elections were not held in Mariupol, Chervonoarmiisk and Svatove. The elections in these cities should be held as a matter of priority to ensure citizens can also exercise their voting rights,” the EU stressed.

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