MINISTER PETTIGREW CALLS FOR FREE, FAIR AND TRANSPARENT ELECTION IN UKRAINE

News Release

November 19, 2004 No. 132 Foreign Affairs Minister Pierre Pettigrew today called for a free, fair and transparent election in Ukraine on November 21. Voters there are returning to the polls for a second round after the initial polls on October 31. Minister Pettigrew announced that he is pleased with the first-round voter turnout of 75 percent, but is concerned that many electoral process deficiencies impeded a transparent vote. “As the Ukrainian people proceed to the November runoff vote, Canadians are watching with a great deal of interest and are hopeful that this vote will be conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner,” said Minister Pettigrew. During the first round of voting, international observers identified voting irregularities such as inaccurate voters’ lists, insufficient time to correct them, court challenges and significant media bias. The Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has mobilized more than 600 international election observers, including 36 Canadians, to visit polling stations and tabulation centres. - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Sébastien Théberge Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs (613) 995-1851 Media Relations Office Foreign Affairs Canada and International Trade Canada (613) 995-1874 http://www.international.gc.ca

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2016-12-15

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MINISTER PETTIGREW CALLS FOR FREE, FAIR AND TRANSPARENT ELECTION IN UKRAINE

News Release

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