The system of political parties and movements in Ukraine began developing on the threshold of independence gained in 1991 to become an important component of the country’s transition to democracy.

Adopted on June 28, 1996, the Constitution of Ukraine emphasizes that social life in Ukraine rests on the principles of political, economic, and ideological diversity. No ideology can be recognized by the state as mandatory. Citizens of Ukraine enjoy freedom of association and are free to unite in political parties and non-governmental organizations to exercise and protect their rights and freedoms, and satisfy their political, economic, social, cultural, and other interests.

Exceptions here are the restrictions legally set in the interests of national security and public order, pubic healthcare and protection of the rights and freedoms of other people. Political parties in Ukraine facilitate the development and expression of citizens’ political will and participate in elections.

At the moment, there are 158 parties and public movements in the country.

The system of political parties in Ukraine continues to develop. The election legislation has been amended to include provisions for party-list voting. As a result, legislator mandates are now distributed among the parties and blocs whose party lists attract at least 3 percent of the ballots cast in the election. These changes have considerably strengthened the role of political parties in Ukraine.

The extraordinary parliamentary elections of spring 2007 resulted in five political forces in the Parliament of Ukraine. These are:

Party of Regions – 175 MPs,

(http://www.regionparty.narod.ru),

Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc – 156 MPs,

(http://www.byut.com.ua),

Our Ukraine – People’s Self-Defense – 72 MPs,

(http://www.nuns.com.ua),

Communist Party of Ukraine – 27 MPs,

(http://www.kpu.net.ua), and

Lytvyn Bloc – 20 MPs,

(http://narodna.org.ua).

Upon the results of the elections, a coalition of factions was created in the Ukrainian Parliament covering the majority of its constitutional composition. The coalition submits proposals to the President of Ukraine regarding candidacies for Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine. Based on such proposals, the President of Ukraine makes a submission to Parliament, launching the appointments of the Prime Minister and Cabinet of Ministers.

The creation and successful operation of a multi-party political system in Ukraine is clear proof that Ukraine belongs to the circle of democratic European nations.

Central Election Commission http://www.cvk.gov.ua/

Ministry of Justice of Ukraine http://www.minjust.gov.ua/