Second round of presidential election in Ukraine complied with int'l standards - ENEMO
KYIV. April 23 (Interfax) - The second round of the presidential election in Ukraine generally complied with international election standards, the European Network of Election Monitoring Organizations (ENEMO) said in a preliminary statement circulated at a press conference in Kyiv on Tuesday.
"The European Network of Election Monitoring Organizations (ENEMO) preliminarily assesses that the second round of the election was mostly conducted in line with international election standards, despite shortcomings in the legislation misused by candidates to campaign through questionable means and smear campaigns," ENEMO said.
Zlatko Vujovic, head of the election observation mission in Ukraine, said ENEMO took a positive view of the way the voting in the second round was organized.
"ENEMO praises the conduct of the vote which was generally well organized, with minor violations not affecting the outcome of the election results," Vujovic was quoted as saying.
The statement also quoted Election Expert Pierre Peytier as saying that "the presidential race in the second round did not focus on candidates' campaign platforms but rather on discussions around participation in the debates, the opponent's character, and smear campaigns."
Both candidates used social media platforms and continued their campaigns "beyond the legally prescribed timelines and during the 'day of silence'," Peytier said.
ENEMO also noted the use of "illegal and controversial campaign materials" containing "false information aiming at discrediting the credibility and dignity of candidates," he said.