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Turchynov: Batkivschyna, People's Self-Defense start unification (updated)

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Dec. 28, 2011, 2:13 p.m. | Politics — by Interfax-Ukraine

Batkivschyna Party has stressed that the process of unification with the People's Self Defense party has just started and other political forces may join it.

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The Batkivschyna Party has stressed that the process of unification with the People's Self Defense party has just started and other political forces may join it. "The process of unification hasn't finished yet and I believe that other political forces will join in," first deputy head of the Batkivschyna Party Oleksandr Turchynov said at a press conference on Wednesday.

He recalled the address of Batkivschyna leader Ukraine's ex-premier Yulia Tymoshenko and former interior minister Yuriy Lutsenko to opposition forces to unite efforts and jointly participate in the parliamentary elections of 2012.

"During the talks, a decision was made to begin the process of actual unification of the Batkivschyna Party and the People's Self-Defense party on the basis of the Batkivschyna party," Turchynov said.

In turn, deputy head of the Batkivschyna Party Mykola Tomenko said: "I do believe that there will be a real single list of candidates in single-mandate constituencies."

Turchynov, in turn, expressed the hope that Tymoshenko and Lutsenko would be freed and would top the list.

Tymoshenko and Lutsenko are currently held in custody.
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Anonymous Dec. 28, 2011, 2:44 p.m.    

In the picture, we see Dr. Evil.

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Anonymous Dec. 28, 2011, 5:17 p.m.    

Go back to your comics and coloring books little boy.

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Anonymous Dec. 28, 2011, 5:03 p.m.    

Dashing... However, this so called &quot;unification&quot; appears to exhibit all the features of a typical misadventure of the Yushchenko era. Too many ambitious cooks...

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Anonymous Dec. 28, 2011, 6:06 p.m.    

This is one of several key steps currently being undertaken by Opposition leaders to unite as a single force to confront the Party of Regions in the next election to the Verkhovna Rada. It is also imperative that the more significant leaders (ie. Tymoshenko, Yatseniuk, Klychko, Lutsenko, Kyrylenko, Hryshchenko etc.) put aside their personal ambitions and differences for the sake of unity. The programs of these various Parties do not differ to any great degree and it is important that they demonstrate integrity, ingenuity and transparency. This brings to mind the immortal words of of the great Statesman, Abraham Lincoln, who declared; &quot;A house divided against itself cannot stand&quot;. All of this must be considered in the selection of a new vigorous and effective leader for all of Ukraine.

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Anonymous Dec. 29, 2011, 1:13 a.m.    

THE FIRST PAST-THE-POST VOTING SYSTEM WILL WORK AGAINST THEM,

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Anonymous Dec. 29, 2011, 7:49 a.m.    

The gist of my commentary was to underline the importance of a unified stand against the Party in power. If the vote is splintered the Opposition will place itself in a precarious situation. On the other hand, if they unite in their support for a single candidate their chances are more promising. This is particularly critical in the election of single member mandates.

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Anonymous Dec. 28, 2011, 6:26 p.m.    

And it begins. Who will end up in control of the 'unified' opposition, and will they be able to put aside their personal ambitions for the good of the people?

We'll see.

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Anonymous Dec. 28, 2011, 6:33 p.m.    

So PSD rats turn their back on Our Ukraine.IF not for OU and Yushchenko they wouldn't even be in the Rada.

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Anonymous Dec. 28, 2011, 6:52 p.m.    

Good news.......It is about time the opposition put aside petty differences, and become a united front against Yanuk.

Everyone knows the soviet 'divide and conquer' of the soviet Yanuk.

Now is the time to 'unite and win'.......and effect yanuks removal.

&quot;United we stand........divided we fall&quot;......

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Anonymous Dec. 29, 2011, 1:11 a.m.    

It will not help. The first-past-the-post-voting system will work against them. Our Ukraine Baloha members will undermine their success and support the Government. the Opposition supported this model, The Venice Commission rightly opposed it. The Opposition will lose. They have 40 marginal local single member seats where the government has just 16.

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Anonymous Dec. 28, 2011, 8:41 p.m.    

You asked for suggestions.........

This quote from your story about Ukraines Richest.......

&quot;.....Nineteen of the 30 wealthiest Ukrainians are either in government, are elected officials or have been in power, 13 of whom are currently in a public service role....

Will you include a Rada link.......giving results of votes,,for and against, and members present.

May I also suggest these &quot;19 wealthiest in gov't&quot; be included with their voting and attendance record.....

I am sure the readers would welcome such a link.

Thank you.

.

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Anonymous Dec. 28, 2011, 11:17 p.m.    

What's at stake here, is far greater than one party's sole interest.

Number one on the agenda is to overhaul the entire system so multiple parties can co-exist and something can be done; with everyone's Rights are respected; where one is INNOCENT until proven otherwise.

And of course, to control corruption, a progressive court system, etc.

Big challenges.

I'm sure the opposition parties can mutually agree to this.

...and it'll take such consensus to crawl out of the abyss.

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Anonymous Dec. 29, 2011, 1:08 a.m.    

The system is already working against the opposition. the recent changes to Ukraine electoral laws and the reinstatement of a MMP single member electorates elected by first past the post voting places them behind the eight ball. BYUT has over 40 local marginal seats where the government has just 16.

The opposition are their own worst enemy. The first-past-the-post voting system will do them in and they will then complain the elections was rigged. but it is a system that they supported and the Venice Commission condemned.

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Anonymous Dec. 29, 2011, 7:46 a.m.    

The opposition as you noted voted for this system so there is no gaming the vote.Regions will win big unless the economy gets so bad the party splinters.

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