It is good that the local elections on 25 October in Ukraine could be held without any major incidents despite the difficult environment.

In a preliminary statement, the OSCE/ODIHR* mission found that the voting and counting processes were transparent and largely well organised. Individual irregularities, such as the cancellation of the elections in Mariupol and Krasnoarmiisk, have to be investigated and the elections there have to be held soon.

In order to further implement the Minsk agreements, it is important that elections can also take place in the foreseeable future and in line with recognised rules in the areas under the control of the separatists To this end, an electoral law in keeping with the rules of the Minsk agreements must now be quickly agreed upon and initiated.