U.S. government will continue to support strengthening of democracy in Ukraine - CEC

A delegation of Ukraine's Central Election Commission (CEC) has briefed U.S. State Department and USAID representatives on future challenges, a five-year strategic plan, and the opportunity for Ukraine to set an example for countries seeking democratic governance.

These issues were discussed during the visit of CEC members to the United States, the commission's press service reported.

"During their visit, the CEC delegation met with senior officials from the U.S. Department of State and USAID, including Deputy Assistant Secretary for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Kara C. McDonald, Coordinator of U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia James Kulikowski, and Deputy Assistant Administrator Alex Sokolowski," the report reads.

According to the report, members of the delegation briefly spoke about future challenges, their ambitious five-year strategic plan, as well as the opportunity for Ukraine to become a model for neighbors and countries seeking democratic governance.

The U.S. government, in turn, noted the achievements of the CEC and Ukraine in accelerating electoral reform, strengthening the institution of elections through their own efforts, as well as through full cooperation with all participants in the election process, creating an environment of transparency and confidence in the election results.

In addition, according to the CEC, the U.S. government said it would continue to support independence and the strengthening of democracy in Ukraine.

A CEC delegation, headed by Chairman Oleh Didenko, is on a visit to the United States to study the experience of international partners in the electoral process.

op