7 Sep 2017 16:31

Poroshenko opposes early parliamentary, presidential elections in Ukraine

KYIV. Sept 7 (Interfax) - Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has spoken against early parliamentary and presidential elections.

"The approaching planned voting for a president and the Verkhovna Rada makes the idea of early elections even less rational. My position remains unchanged: everything must proceed within the timeframe stipulated by the constitution," Poroshenko said in an annual address at the Verkhovna Rada on Thursday.

Preparations for a free, transparent, and competitive election campaign should already be started today, he said.

"I am asking the distinguished people's deputies to complete consultations within the next few weeks and submit proposals on candidacies for new Central Elections Commission positions to me," Poroshenko said.