Pre-electoral Alliances

Winter in the last quarter of 2001 and the first quarter in 2002 promises to be one of the hottest seasons in Ukraine's political biography. Virtually all political decisions and events are affected by the upcoming elections: from political bloc formation, to the lengthy process of settling controversial issues surrounding Election Law, to the approval of the long-awaited Land Code and the budget debate. All are effected by political maneuvers and pre-electoral positioning.

 

The activities of both the legislative end executive branches are based upon evaluations of the probable political landscape after the March elections. Functional requirements have been replaced by political expediency. Under these conditions new and unpredicted alliances are being formed exposing interests that until recently were carefully concealed. Impetuous decisions by the government and the opposition are not unusual. Observing the horizons of Ukrainian politics in these circumstances is more challenging than ever.

 

It is in this context that we have analyzed the adoption of the Election Law, focusing on the opposing positions between the Head of the State and Members of Parliament. The new Elections Law provides for a shorter campaigning period and modifies the procedure for registration of candidates and formation of electoral commissions. Although, the electoral system itself has not changed, current  indications are that it may be changed after the March elections.

 

One of the most serious problems of the current government in this session of Parliament turned out to be approval of the 2002 budget. Although, the government provided an upbeat economic report to the VR, deputies doubted the veracity of the figures presented. The "government" segment of our report focuses on the government's report to the VR, and the response from MP's critical of government activity.

 

The process of bloc formation is a clear indication of the new priorities of the participants in the electoral process: "joining forces to win". This common goal has become more significant than the particular interests of separate political forces;  conflicting interests have resulted in splits that make the process of building Ukrainian democracy more complex. Whether this tendency will persist after the elections, remains uncertain.

 

Approval by Parliament of the Land Code is perceived by many analysts as the start of a new era in the Ukrainian economy: the right to buy and sell land has finally been legalized. For some it was a victory, while for others - a loss of political ground. Yet even the Code's supporters realize that the "land debate" is far from being completed. Although the Code provides new perspectives it has significant drawbacks and and requires revision.

 

Our "city spotlight" features Poltava - once the spiritual and cultural center of Ukraine. At a time, when the national identity is becoming a subject of political quest, we have focused our attention on what many refer to as the "true Ukrainian identity", a feeling that has always been generated by the rich culture of Poltava. We have also included an analysis of the economic and politcal potential of Poltava, appreciating the fact that in the current circumstances they can be defining factors in Poltava's future.

 

A special feature presented in the twelfth edition of our report is an analysis of the science and technology sector in Ukraine. Scientific potential is a indicator of a state's capability to develop itself, particularly, its economy. There are various controversial views on the Ukrainian S&T domain, which we have presented. There is little doubt that government policy and its priorities are crucial for continued S&T development. A summary of our observations is presented in the article on "Science and Technology in Ukraine".

 

Olexandra Kuzhel, Head of the State Committee for Entrepreneurship, is our interviewee in the "feature interview" segment of our report. She presents her views on the problems and prospects of Ukrainian entrepreneurship. Mrs. Kuzhel, who was awarded the "Woman of the Year" award in 2000 has a dynamic approach to government and a clear understanding of the requirements of small business.

 

The twelfth issue of the Romyr Report is diverse in its summary of Ukraine's achievements and setbacks on the threshold of a new year. Significant changes in 2002 are expected as a result of the upcoming election, implementation of taxation and budget reforms and the development of science and entrepreneurship. Thus, Ukrainian politics is entering a new year with new expectations and new hopes for the future.