06 April 2009, 12:24
Mykola Tomenko: Achievement of a Compromise or Simultaneous Presidential and Parliamentary Elections are Possible Variants of overcoming the Crisis
"The discussion concerning possible ways of overcoming the recession has reached its final stage, and a resolution should be passed in the nearest time", - stated Mykola Tomenko, Vice-Chairman of The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine at the Monday´s briefing at The Verkhovna Rada.
M.Tomenko also stated: "It is apparent that tactical agreements or projects supported by certain political forces satisfy neither politicians, nor society". He underscored that idea of holding either early parliamentary or early presidential elections failed to settle the situation.
According to the Vice-Chairman, the society has a clear-cut stand concerning adoption of crucial resolutions. Thus, on 27 March-2 April 2009, "Ukrainske demokratychne kolo" held a nation-wide public opinion poll on order of the Institute of Politics. Thus, responding to the question concerning the best way out of the present-day recession, 42,8% of respondents called for achievement of the compromise between the political forces without early elections, and 36,9% - for holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections.
As far as the amendments to the Constitution are concerned, M.Tomenko stated that the idea of adopting the presidential version of the Constitution rapidly and bypassing the Parliament was doomed to failure.
M.Tomenko deems necessary to amend electoral legislation in case the resolution on holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections is adopted. The position of the society regarding the said issues is also precise: to the question "Under which system should the Deputies of The Verkhovna Rada be elected?", 32% respondents opted for the majority system; 29% supported the proportional system with open lists; 11,1% - the proportional system (by party lists) and 9,7% - a mixed-type system.