There are three categories of official observer: those appointed by parties participating in the election, international observers, and observers from (non-governmental) public organisations (Article 70). This is a particularly welcome innovation first found in the 2005 legislation, which has helped to bring the legislation into conformity with Ukraine’s commitments under paragraph 8 of the Copenhagen Document. However, consideration should be given of having all such observers apply for registration through the Central Election Commission rather than through respective DECs, in order to ensure that accreditation is offered for the entire national territory, not only a specific territorial region, respecting the observers right to free movement throughout Ukraine during the elections.
