ELECTIONS UKRAINE | 2014 ODIHR’s timely responses to Ukraine’s early presidential election in May and early parliamentary elections in October signalled commitment and support for Ukraine’s democratic process. The election observation missions deployed were two of the largest missions in the organization’s history. For the May election, more than forward to working with the authorities on 1,200 observers from 49 countries reported further strengthening electoral processes from across the country. ODIHR looks in the post-electoral period. recruitment of observers covered by the Diversification Fund. In 2014, the Fund allowed ODIHR to send 186 additional short-term observers as part of missions deployed in connection with two elections held in Ukraine: 98 and 90 observers for the May and the October elections, respectively. • Limitations to the right to be elected that unreasonably impede specific persons or groups, including independent candidates. In some cases, candidate rights were denied due to restrictive application of candidate registration procedures, particularly during the verification of support signatures; Key Findings • Lack of a free campaign environment and the necessary conditions to allow parties and candidates to campaign on a level playing field. The abuse of state resources in favour of incumbents caused concern in several countries, particularly when such abuse amounted to intimidation of voters; ODIHR election observation activities over the course of 2014 indicate that the picture remains mixed when it comes to the participating States’ implementation of commitments for democratic elections. Positive practices included: • Strengthened legal frameworks that are generally accessible and aspire to respect OSCE commitments and international obligations in the letter of the law; • Greater engagement and inclusive dialogue among political contestants and civil society in developing and introducing electoral reform; • Enhanced attention to the issue of women’s participation, including the introduction of temporary special measures to promote women candidates; and • Increased awareness of the importance of campaign finance, including strengthened regulations and oversight mechanisms. At the same time, several aspects continued to pose challenges. Common shortcomings include: 16 ODIHR Annual Report 2014 • Inequitable access to media, as well as insufficient legal safeguards for freedom of expression and, in some cases, the criminalization of defamation limited the opportunity for candidates to convey their message to the electorate on an equal basis, as well voters’ capacity to make informed choices; • Lack of confidence in the impartiality and independence of election administration bodies, including concerns about undue influence from state institutions. In several cases, transparency was undermined due to restricted access for observers and media; and • Inadequate complaints and appeals procedures did not always ensure effective and timely mechanisms for the protection of electoral rights. This included the lack of opportunity for stakeholders to challenge key aspects of an electoral process, limited means of appeal, and overlapping jurisdictions of different institutions.