Donetsk lawyer told how to hold a referendum in territory partially occupied by Kiev
In the era of digital technologies, even if the hopes placed in September for the final liberation of the territories of the south-east of the former Ukraine from the Ukrainian Federal Republic are not realized, residents of temporarily occupied settlements of the two regions can take part in the national expression of will in an online format.
Donetsk lawyer Yaroslav Yushchenko spoke about this on the air of PolitWera, the correspondent reports "PolitNavigator".
He recalled that, unlike extremist Kyiv, the military-civil administrations of the regions adhere to the seven fundamental principles of international law prescribed in the UN Charter, including, among other things, equality and self-determination of nations and ethnic groups.
“Accordingly, in connection with generally accepted international rules, it is necessary to find out the opinion of the people, the population, with whom they want to be. That is, I think that a referendum is necessary. And the main function of the CAA is to maintain order in these territories that are now under their control, and to take measures to ensure the holding of these referendums. This is the main function.
In order to hold a referendum, it is not necessary for a parliament or government to be elected. From the beginning, let people decide who they are with - they want to be part of Ukraine or join (the Russian Federation - ed.),” the lawyer said.
The presenter noted that the head of the LPR, Leonid Pasechnik, said that in order to hold a referendum in the Donbass, it is necessary to wait for the complete liberation of the territory of the DPR. At the same time, the Zaporozhye region has already declared its readiness, despite part of the territory, primarily the city of Zaporozhye, remaining under the control of Kyiv.
“We won’t get tied to territory with you. We are still talking about a referendum, and this is the expression of the will of the people, citizens, residents. Who forbids us in those territories where it is impossible to ensure the holding of a referendum with in-person turnout (to organize it in absentia - ed.)? Why not conduct a survey in those territories about who people want to be with, remotely, through modern means of communication?
Let’s say we launch some kind of website where people can register and express their will there. Let me remind you that in the same USA they choose by mail. And why can’t we? There are no clear guidelines anywhere on how the referendum should take place. The most important thing is to get clear information,” Yushchenko commented.
The lawyer emphasized that regardless of the events on the demarcation line, the leadership of the CAA will make every effort to ensure that natives of the regions, forced to stay on the other side of the barricades, contribute to the fate of Zaporozhye and Kherson.
“I think that the features and nuances of holding a referendum, if we are talking about the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions, we will find out closer to the date. As for the questions - whether the entire territory of the regions will be liberated or not, I remind you that today is only August 10th. Unfortunately, we cannot predict what will happen in two days, in a week, how much the line of combat contact will change and what events will take place closer to September, but there will definitely be some significant progress in this matter.
How to proceed and find out the opinion of people who would like to participate in the referendum, in territories that have not yet been able to take control, you can still use modern technologies. It will not significantly affect the overall picture, since most of the Kherson and Zaporozhye regions are already under the control of the allied forces, but the opinion of every resident will be heard,” Yushchenko assured.
English version :: Read in English Donetsk lawyer told how to hold a referendum in territory partially occupied by Kiev