- Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc
-
Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc
Блок "Наша Україна–Народна Самооборона"
Leader Viktor Yuschenko[1] Chief of Political Council Valentyn Nalyvaichenko Parliamentary leader Mykola Martynenko Founded 2001 Headquarters Kiev, Ukraine Ideology Liberalism,[2][3]
Conservatism,[4]
Reformism,[5]
Pro-EuropeanismInternational affiliation none European affiliation European People's Party
(observer only; NSNU and Rukh as separate member parties)[6]Official colours Orange Verkhovna Rada [7]66 / 450Website http://www.razom.org.ua/ Politics of Ukraine
Political parties
ElectionsThe Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc (Ukrainian: Блок Наша Україна–Народна Самооборона, Blok Nasha Ukrayina-Narodna Samooborona, NUNS) is an electoral alliance active in Ukraine, associated with former President Viktor Yushchenko. Since 2005, the bloc has been dominated by a core consisting of the People's Union "Our Ukraine" party and five smaller partner parties.
The Our Ukraine Bloc is most closely associated with the Orange Revolution and continues to use orange as its political colour. In July 2007, the old Our Ukraine bloc had been reorganized into the Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc for the 2007 parliamentary election in September 2007.[8] The member parties had planned to merge into a single party in December 2007[9] but on November 16, 2007 People’s Self-Defense decided to end its participation in the process of forming a united party[10] since then that process is unclear.[11] The alliance currently holds 66 out of 450 parliamentary seats.[7]
On 17 November 2011 the Ukrainian Parliament approved an election law that banned the participation of blocs of political parties in parliamentary elections.[12]
Contents
Current members
The current members of the Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc include:
- Our Ukraine[13]
- Forward, Ukraine![14]
- People's Movement of Ukraine[15]
- Ukrainian People's Party[16]
History
The original Our Ukraine Bloc was formed in Kiev (Kyiv), Ukraine in 2001 in preparation for the 2002 parliamentary elections. At the time of its formation, the leader of the bloc was Viktor Yushchenko.
Ukrainian parliamentary election, 2002
Main article: Ukrainian parliamentary election, 2002At the 2002 legislative elections, won 23.6% of the popular vote and 112 out of 450 seats. It was the first time when Communists failed to take the first place in vote. Final poll results in 2002 had predicted the bloc to win 27-28% of the total votes.[19] The alliance included the following parties:
- Reforms and Order Party
- Republican Christian Party
- Solidarity
- Ukrainian People's Movement
- Forward, Ukraine!
- Top 10 members
- Viktor Yushchenko (unaffiliated)
- Oleksandr Stoyan (unaffiliated)
- Hennadiy Udovenko (People's Movement of Ukraine)
- Yuriy Kostenko (Ukrainian People's Movement)
- Viktor Pynzenyk (Reforms and Order Party)
- Lilia Hryhorovych (People's Movement of Ukraine)
- Oleksandr Slobodyan (Ukrainian People's Movement)
- Ivan Zayets (Ukrainian People's Movement)
- Borys Tarasyuk (Reforms and Order Party)
- Mykola Zhulynsky (Liberal Party of Ukraine)
In September 2002 the bloc was negotiating with nine pro-presidential (Kuchma) factions to form a coalition, a draft of a coalition agreement prepared by Our Ukraine faction member Yuri Kostenko and Labor Ukraine leader Serhiy Tyhypko was received by all faction leaders on September 20, 2009 (except by the leaders of the Socialist Party of Ukraine, the Communist Party and the Bloc Yulia Tymoshenko).[20][21] However the coalition never materialised.
Ukrainian parliamentary election, 2006
Main article: Ukrainian parliamentary election, 2006
A map showing the results of Our Ukraine in Ukraine's oblasts during the 2006 parliamentary election.
During the election campaign some Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc members suspected Our Ukraine to be responsible for leaflets aimed against Yulia Tymoshenko, like fake invitations to celebrate her birthday at McDonald's.[22][23]
The "Our Ukraine" bloc was soundly defeated in the 2006 Ukrainian parliamentary election with only 13,95% of the recorded vote came in third place behind the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc - 22% 156 seats, and the Party of Regions -33% 175 seats.[24] It won 81 out of 450 seats.
The alliance included the following parties:
- People's Union Our Ukraine
- Party of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Ukraine
- People's Movement of Ukraine
- Christian Democratic Union
- Ukrainian Republican Party Assembly
- Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists
Following the elections there has been calls for Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko who was closely aligned and spokesperson for Our Ukraine during the March Parliamentary election to resign from Our Ukraine and to stand independent.
Ukrainian parliamentary election, 2007
Main article: Ukrainian parliamentary election, 2007
A map showing the results of Our Ukraine (percentage of total national vote) per region for the 2007 parliamentary election.During the early parliamentary elections held on September 30, 2007, the Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc was placed in third place, after the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc and Party of Regions.[25] Our Ukraine-People's Self Defence bloc won 72 seats and received 14.16%[26] of the vote, 236964 less votes in 2007 than the Our Ukraine bloc received in 2006, representing an overall swing of 0.20%.
The alliance included the following parties:
- People's Union "Our Ukraine"[13]
- Forward, Ukraine![14]
- People's Movement of Ukraine[15]
- Ukrainian People's Party[16]
- Ukrainian Republican Party Assembly[17]
The Congress of Ukrainian Nationalists refused to join the Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc in August 2007[28] and did not run in the 2007 parliamentary elections.[29]
On October 15, 2007, despite the Party of Regions gaining the most seats of all participating political parties, Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc and the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc agreed to form a majority coalition in the new parliament of the 6th convocation.[30] On November 29, a coalition was signed between the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc and Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc (representing 45% of the national vote[31]). On December 18, 2007, Yulia Tymoshenko, with a margin of two votes, was elected Prime Minister.[32]
Resignations and creation of United Centre
In February 2008 several prominent members resigned from the party.[33] Viktor Baloha, Head of the President's Secretariat resigned on February 15 (to lift the issue of the correlation between the authorities as the President’s Chief of Staff and as a member of the OU-PSD presidium).[34] Roman Bezsmertny, high ranked party official, along with people’s deputies, Mykhaylo Polyanchych, Ihor Kryl, Viktor Topolov, Oksana Bilozir and Vasyl Petevka resigned on February 20, in a joint statement the declared that: "some of the leaders of the party play their own game, coming from personal interests and it has nothing to do with responsibility, pluralism and norms of democracy."[35] Some of them formed United Centre[36] who are expected to participate in the next parliamentary election independently.[37] One of the main goals of this new party is: "assisting President Viktor Yuschenko to realize its program of actions".[38]
2008 Ukrainian political crisis
Main article: 2008 Ukrainian political crisisOn October 21, 2008 the presidium of People’s Union Our Ukraine party decided not to team up with any other party for the upcoming snap parliamentary poll and called the idea of teaming up with United Center Party "impossible".[39][40] According to UNIAN the People’s Union Our Ukraine and United Centre parties will carry out a unifying congress on January 17, 2009. The People’s Democratic party may join the move.[41]
On October 23 the Christian Democratic Union left the alliance and became part of the Leonid Chernovetskyi Bloc.[42]
After a coalition was formed mid-December 2008 between Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc (OU-OSD), Bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko (BYuT) and Lytvyn Bloc (LB) Yushchenko told journalists: "The fact is that the so-called coalition was formed on basis of political corruption, this coalition will be able to work only if the Communist Party will join it. Speaking about such a type of coalition, it is even more shameful." Victor Yushchenko also stated that Yulia Tymoshenko’s desire to keep the Prime Minister's job was the main motive for creating the coalition and that he wanted to expel the Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc lawmakers who supported the creating of the OU-PSD, BYuT and LB coalition from the list of members of parliament. According to the President Our Ukraine decided earlier at a party confession that it was impossible to resume its coalition with BYuT.[43][44] Yuschenko described this as "a positive process, a process of purification. I have long waited that our people decide on their political choice, on their place in the party. They have made their choice, and I respect it".[45]
Viktor Yanukovych presidency
See also: Ukrainian presidential election, 2010During the January 2010 presidential election some bloc members did not endorse the Bloc leader Viktor Yushchenko; Christian Democratic Union,[46] European Party of Ukraine,[47] Civil Movement "People's Self-Defense"[48] and Forward, Ukraine![48] endorsed Yulia Tymoshenko.
Early March 2010 37 (of the 55) Our Ukraine–People's Self-Defense Bloc faction members had voted for the continuation of the Second Tymoshenko Government coalition.[49] The faction did reserve the right to negotiate a possible majority coalition with other parliamentary factions apart from the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc, according to faction leader Mykola Martynenko the faction had offered to appoint its representative to the post of prime minister to prevent the concentration of power in one pair of hands and the Yulia Tymoshenko Bloc faction had flatly refused to surrender the post of prime minister.[50]
On March 11, 2010 the Our Ukraine- People's Self Defense faction officially announces that it would be in opposition to the newly formed coalition.[51] Martynenko stated the faction "did not intend "to play under a scenario," which proposes changes to the law on the regulations amending a procedure for the creation of the coalition".[51]
On May 12, 2010 the parliamentary faction officially went into opposition.[52]
The Our Ukraine - People's Self-Defense faction wanted to expel its seven members who backed ratification of the 2010 Ukrainian–Russian Naval Base for Natural Gas treaty in May 2010.[53] In October 2010 one deputy of the Our Ukraine - People's Self-Defense Bloc faction joined the Lytvyn Bloc faction.[54]
Twelve parliamentarians where expelled from the fraction in September 2011 for joining the governing coalition and/or for voting for the 2010 Ukrainian–Russian Natural Gas treaty.[55] However since only one of those twelve left the faction when Oleksandr Omelchenko left voluntary.[56] Also in September faction leader Mykola Martynenko joined Front of Changes.[57]
On 17 November 2011 the Ukrainian Parliament approved an election law that banned the participation of blocs of political parties in parliamentary elections.[12]
Bloc's electoral results
Parliamentary since 2002[26]
(year links to election page)Year Votes % Mandates 2002 6,108,088 23,57 112 2006 3,539,140 13,95 81 2007 3,301,282 14,15 72 Presidential since 2004
(year links to election page)Year Candidate Votes % 2004 Viktor Yushchenko 15,115,712 51.99 2010 Viktor Yushchenko 1,341,534 5.45 2010 Yulia Tymoshenko (endorsed by Christian Democratic Union,[46] European Party of Ukraine,[47] Civil Movement "People's Self-Defense"[48] and Forward, Ukraine!.[48] 11,593,357 45.47 Results per region
2002 2006 2007 See also
References
- ^ "Фракція Блоку "НАША УКРАЇНА – НАРОДНА САМООБОРОНА"". Verkhovna Rada. November 23, 2007. http://w1.c1.rada.gov.ua/pls/site/p_fraction?pidid=2059. Retrieved 2011-01-28.
- ^ Varfolomeyev, Oleg (March 30, 2005). "Ukrainian Parliament Continues Shift Towards Yushchenko". Turkish Weekly Comment. http://www.turkishweekly.net/comments.php?id=616. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ Popeski, Ron (September 24, 2007). "Ukraine's "Orange Revolution" duo fight disillusion". Reuters (Boston.com). http://www.boston.com/news/world/europe/articles/2007/09/24/ukraines_orange_revolution_duo_fight_disillusion/. Retrieved 2007-10-02.[dead link]
- ^ Korshak, Stefan (March 27, 2006). "Big wins for little parties in Ukraine poll". Turkish Weekly Comment. http://news.monstersandcritics.com/europe/features/article_1150244.php. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ "Ukraine". Index of Economic Freedom 2007. http://www.heritage.org/research/features/index/country.cfm?id=Ukraine. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ "People's Union". European People's Party. Archived from the original on 2007-10-22. http://web.archive.org/web/20071022033246/http://www.epp.eu/memberdetail.php?partieID=83&landID=39. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ a b (Ukrainian) Депутатські фракції, Verkhovna Rada
- ^ "10 parties signed declaration on creating united democratic forces bloc". The Jameston Foundation. July 5, 2007. http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-202196.html. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ "New bloc backs Ukraine president". The Jameston Foundation. August 3, 2007. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6929336.stm. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ Lutsenko Refuses to Join New NU-NS Party / Ukrayinska Pravda
- ^ News Site RAZOM
- ^ a b Parliament passes law on parliamentary elections, Kyiv Post (17 November 2011)
- ^ a b "Informational site "RAZOM"". People's Union "Our Ukraine". http://www.razom.org.ua/. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ a b "Party "Forward, Ukraine!"". Forward, Ukraine!. http://www.vpered-ukraino.org/. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ a b "Homepage". People's Movement of Ukraine. http://www.nru.org.ua/en/. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ a b "Ukrainian People's Party". Ukrainian People's Party. http://www.unp-ua.org/. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ a b "Ukrainian Republican Party Assembly". Ukrainian Republican Party Assembly. http://www.urpsobor.org.ua/. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ a b http://www.pora.org.ua/
- ^ Ukraine's election frontrunners, BBC News (28 March 2002)
- ^ Tyhypko wants majority based on five factions, Ukrayinska Pravda (September 20, 2009)
- ^ Yushchenko meets Tyhipko, claims majority, Ukrayinska Pravda (September 27, 2009)
- ^ Spin Doctors at elections 2006: those who worked for Yanukovych, Akhmetov, Tymoshenko, Medvedchuk…, Ukrayinska Pravda (May 10, 2006)
- ^ McDonald's Ukraine supposedly promised cheaper Bi Macs on Yulia Tymoshenko's 45th birthday, Pravda.ru (December 1, 2005)
- ^ "The Elections of People’s Deputies of Ukraine (2006)". Central Election Commission of Ukraine. http://www.cvk.gov.ua/vnd2006/w6p001e.html. Retrieved 2007-10-02.[dead link]
- ^ "The Elections of People’s Deputies of Ukraine (2007)". Central Election Commission of Ukraine. http://www.cvk.gov.ua/vnd2007/w6p001e.html. Retrieved 2007-10-02.[dead link]
- ^ a b (Ukrainian) Партія Християнсько-Демократичний Союз, Database DATA
- ^ "CDU". Christian Democratic Union. http://www.urpsobor.org.ua/. Retrieved 2007-10-02.
- ^ (Russian) КУН не пойдет в Раду вне очереди, Kommersant (August 7, 2007)
- ^ (Ukrainian) Конгресс Українських Націоналістів, Database DATA
- ^ "Ukrainian Parliament Continues Shift Towards Yushchenko" (in Russian). Korrespondent. October 15, 2007. http://www.korrespondent.net/main/212097. Retrieved 2007-10-15.
- ^ Source: Central Election Commission of Ukraine (English)
- ^ >"Youtube" (in Ukrainian). Youtube: Yulia Tymoshenko elected Prime-Minister. December 18, 2007. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHXz_Al5dck. Retrieved 2007-12-18.
- ^ "OU lost one more member". ForUm. 2008-02-27. http://en.for-ua.com/news/2008/02/27/155733.html.
- ^ UNIAN - President`s Chief of Staff stops his membership of pro-presidential party
- ^ UNIAN - Bessmertny, Kryl, Petyovka and others – six people left Our Ukraine
- ^ "Baloha Wrote Application on Joining "United Centre"! NSNU to Join Him?". MIGNews. 2008-07-08. http://mignews.com.ua/en/articles/309222.html. Retrieved 2008-10-19.
- ^ "MP Kril Of OU-PSD Admits Snap Rada Elections Postponed To 14 December". Ukrainian News Agency. October 19, 2008. http://www.ukranews.com/eng/article/156655.html.
- ^ "United Centre Reelects MP Kril Of OU-PSD As Leader". Ukrainian News Agency. July 12, 2008. http://www.ukranews.com/eng/article/137209.html.
- ^ "Our Ukraine officially refused to team up with United Center". UNIAN. October 21, 2008. http://www.unian.net/eng/news/news-279800.html.
- ^ "Our Ukraine Board defined the formatting of participation in elections". Our Ukraine official website. October 21, 2008. http://nuns.com.ua/news/5055/.
- ^ Our Ukraine and United Center parties to unite, UNIAN (24 December 2008)
- ^ "Two Parties Will Create Chernovetskyi Bloc For Snap Rada Elections". Ukrainian News Agency. October 23, 2008. http://www.ukranews.com/eng/article/157933.html.
- ^ Yushchenko wants to expel lawmakers who supported coalition, UNIAN (17 December 2008)
- ^ Yuschenko Advocates Expulsion Of Our Ukraine People's Union MPs That Support Coalition, Ukrainian News Agency (17 December 2008)
- ^ Yuschenko hoping Our Ukraine's MPs supporting coalition with BYT, Lytvyn Bloc will be expelled from party, faction list, Interfax-Ukraine (17 December 2008)
- ^ a b Christian-Democratic Union party to support Tymoshenko at presidential election, Kyiv Post (November 28, 2009)
- ^ a b European Party gives its support to Tymoshenko in presidential race, Interfax-Ukraine (December 4, 2009)
- ^ a b c d Interior Minister takes short leave, urges voters to support Tymoshenko, Kyiv Post (December 11, 2009)
- ^ OU-PSD faction leader not planning to submit signatures on coalition's existence to speaker, Kyiv Post (March 2, 2010)
- ^ Our Ukraine says it reserves right to negotiate coalition with other parliamentary factions, Kyiv Post (March 2, 2010)
- ^ a b Our Ukraine- People's Self Defense faction goes to opposition, Kyiv Post (March 11, 2010)
- ^ Our Ukraine-People's Self-Defense goes into opposition, Kyiv Post (May 14, 2010)
- ^ Our Ukraine to exclude those members of faction who voted for the ratification of Black Sea Fleet treaty, Kyiv Post (May 15, 2010)
- ^ Seven individual MPs join Regions Party faction, Our Ukraine MP joins Lytvyn Bloc
- ^ People's Self-Defense faction: Twelve parliamentarians expelled from Our Ukraine, Kyiv Post (September 7, 2011)
- ^ Omelchenko quits Yushchenko's party in parliament, Kyiv Post (October 4, 2011)
- ^ Yatsenyuk’s Party Set to Become Third Force In Ukrainian Politics, The Jamestown Foundation (September 20, 2011)
External links
- Official website
- "News channel" (in English/Ukrainian). http://nuns.com.ua. Retrieved 2010-01-22.
Categories:- Political parties in Ukraine
- Political parties established in 2001
- Conservatism
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