U.S. HELSINKI COMMISSION TO HOLD BRIEFING ON UKRAINE

WASHINGTON —Today the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) announced the following briefing:

Ukraine's Upcoming Elections: A Pivotal Moment

Thursday, May 17, 2012

2pm -3:30 pm

210 Cannon House Office Building

Ukraine will hold parliamentary elections in October. Under President Victor Yanukovych, Ukraine has experienced democratic regression, including the unjust imprisonment of former Prime Minister Yuliya Tymoshenko and other senior members of her government. There are widespread concerns that the upcoming elections—in contrast to the four previous national elections—will not meet international standards. Experts from three key organizations working in Ukraine will discuss their work with political parties, civil society and domestic observers ahead of the elections, the electoral framework, as well as the broader political context.

Panelists Scheduled to Appear:

Stephen B. Nix, Regional Director, Eurasia, International Republican Institute (IRI)

Katie Fox, Deputy Director, Eurasia, National Democratic Institute (NDI)

Gavin Weise, Deputy Director, Europe and Asia, International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)