Sergey Daciuk: Most of the experts are satisfied with the results of the parliamentary election

photo by dw.de

Presidential forces didn’t form a monopoly in the Ukrainian parliament. Petro Poroshenko had to propose coalition to the Popular Front, which means that Arseny Yatseniuk is to become Prime Minister.

On October 26 early parliamentary election were held in Ukraine, bringing no particular surprises.

 According to the results of 77.3% processed e-protocols (when this material was being prepared), a five-per cent barrier was surmounted by the following parties: the Popular Front was supported by 21.95% of the voters, the Bloc of Poroshenko had 21.54%, Samopomich had 11.08%, the Opposition Bloc 9.58%, the Radical Party 7.40%, and Batkivshyna 5.68%.

Were these results predictable or unexpected?

Ukrainian political expert Sergey Daciuk answered the questions of “EuroBelarus” Information Service.

- The results of the election brought no surprise. We can only talk about some nuances that came as a surprise. The Communist Party didn’t pass to the Verkhovna Rada; and predictably, the Party of Regions isn’t present in the parliament in its original form and didn’t take part in the election.

The intrigue of the parliamentary election was about whether the Bloc of Poroshenko would manage to reach at least 40% in parliament and form a parliamentary majority, i.e. to form a monopoly in Verkhovna Rada. In result the Bloc of Poroshenko and the Popular Front took a little more than 20% each.

Sociologists assumed that Strong Ukraine would be present in the parliament but it didn’t get enough votes.

The intrigue also concerned Batkivshyna, as according to the exit polls, it was getting much more votes; however, according to the latest data, it hardly surmounted a five-per cent threshold.

All in all, most of the experts are satisfied with the results of the parliamentary election: the presidential forces didn’t become a monopoly in the parliament.

- Why is it good?

- Otherwise the principle of separation of powers would be violated. The pro-presidential majority in the Verkhovna Rada existed since the time when the second President was elected; Yushchenko to say nothing of Yanukovich had majority in the parliament. The monopoly of the president in the parliament would destroy the separation of powers. Parliament would be working by president’s order, which would have catastrophic consequences for the country.

- Did the leadership of the Popular Front of Arseny Yatseniuk come as a surprise?

- There are no surprises: from the moment of the party’s creation till the election its rate was growing; if the Popular Front would have more time, I think it would have got much more votes and its gap with the Bloc of Petro Poroshenko would be more impressive.

Unlike the Bloc of Petro Poroshenko that advocates peaceful settlement of conflict in Donbas, the Popular Front is a party of hawks that advocates immediate release of Ukraine.

- In the negotiation regarding the coalition main players, such as the Bloc of Poroshenko, the Popular Front, and Maidan parties: “Samopomich”, “Batkivshyna”, “Svoboda” are taking part. Will Petro Poroshenko be able to form majority in the parliament?

- All parties to the election but for the Opposition Bloc are invited to take part in the negotiations. The question is who will be willing to enter the coalition.

At the press conference Petro Poroshenko said that he stayed loyal to reforms and quota principle won’t be working. But quotes are inevitable in politics: someone loses and someone wins.

- How do you see the configuration of political forces in the Verkhovna Rada?

- It seems to me that the President is compelled to propose coalition to the Popular Front, which means that Arseny Yatseniuk is likely to become Prime Minister. Alexander Turchinov’s chances to remain the parliamentary speaker are 50 to 50. And it is around blocking these two forces that the main intrigue will be developing.

- How will election influence the situation in Donbas?

- New parliament that would be able to adopt new Constitution and would have enough authority to vote for unpopular but vital laws is required. If it happens, the situation in Donbas would be cardinally changed.