On 04 February 2011, the Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine" (the "Law") regarding regulation of regular elections of the President of Ukraine, deputies of Ukraine, deputies of the Verkhovna Rada of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, deputies of councils and elections of heads of cities, towns and villages (the "Offices") came into force.
The Law intends to conform the terms of the Offices, which shall provide continuity in the administration of the government at the national and local levels and reduce government expenses in connection with elections.
As a result of the changes introduced by the Law, the term of each Office elected in regular elections is now five years.
In addition, the Law states that regular elections to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine shall be held on the last Sunday in October of the fifth year of the term of office of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and elections of the President of Ukraine shall be held on the last Sunday in March of the fifth year of the term of office of the President of Ukraine.
The Law also states that regular elections to the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine after the restoration of the Constitution of Ukraine to the text of 28 June 1996 by the decision of the Constitutional Court of Ukraine on 30 September 2010 № 20-рп/2010 are to be held on the last Sunday in October 2012, and elections of the President of Ukraine are to be held on the last Sunday of March 2015.
Adoption of the proposed amendments to the Constitution of Ukraine will conform terms of the office of the President of Ukraine, deputies of Ukraine, the representative body of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea, deputies of councils and heads of cities, towns and villages and shall provide increased efficiency in the state and local governments.
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The original publication date for this article was 08/02/2011.