Local elections can be conducted in DPR, LPR in November under Ukrainian legislation - source
MOSCOW. Aug 19 (Interfax) - Local elections in the self-proclaimed Donbas republics can be held in November in accordance with the Ukrainian electoral legislation, even if Kyiv does not recognize their legitimacy, a source in the political subgroup of the contract group on settlement told Interfax.
"Specific areas of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions are organizationally ready to hold local elections. The issue remains in the political realm. They continue insisting on the coordination by Kyiv with them of specialized legislation, which is currently not happening," the source said.
The source said the administration of the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics "intends to hold the elections on the unified voting day on November 6."
"If no headway is achieved in the negotiations on the political part, the elections will be organized as required by the package of measures, in accordance with the current Ukrainian electoral legislation on condition that Ukrainian parties and politicians, especially those who are known for their aggressive rhetoric on Donbas, not participate in them. The issue of their [the elections'] recognition by Kyiv in this situation will remain open," the source said.
The source did not rule out participation in the elections of OSCE ODIHR officials as monitors.
According to earlier reports, DPR and LPR leaders Alexander Zakharchenko and Igor Plotnitsky rescheduled the date of local elections from July 24 to November 6.