International IDEA assists out-of-country voting cooperation for post-war Ukrainian elections

Following the recommendations from the Parliamentary Electoral Dialogue convened in Brussels in May 2023 by International IDEA and the European Parliament, Ukrainian authorities are diligently examining the conditions in host countries for organizing out-of-country voting (OCV) for Ukraine's future post-war elections. Special attention is paid to countries hosting significant populations of Ukrainian refugees and eligible voters. With approximately 170,000 registered Ukrainians, Italy ranks among the top six European nations regarding refugee population size. Consequently, Italy was selected as the site for the next consultative OCV visit, highlighting its strategic importance in the broader electoral framework.

Ukranian diplomatic delegation visits Italy

From July 11-12, 2024, International IDEA organised a pivotal visit for the Central Electoral Commission of Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ukrainian diplomatic missions in Italy to both Rome and Florence. During this visit, the Ukrainian delegation engaged in in-depth discussions with their Italian counterparts from the Ministry of Interior and the Municipality of Florence. These conversations focused on Italy's seasoned expertise in facilitating out-of-country voting for other nations within Italy's territory, as well as exploring viable options for coordinating such voting mechanisms for Ukraine’s forthcoming post-war elections.

During the meeting with the Ministry of Interior, discussions were centered on two critical aspects: the procedures for establishing polling stations outside of embassies and consulates and ensuring the security of the electoral process. Given the unprovoked aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, it is imperative to facilitate the voting rights of the large Ukrainian displaced community residing in Italy. The detailed mechanisms and timelines for requesting permission to open these polling stations were thoroughly explored. Furthermore, the Italian authorities reassured their Ukrainian counterparts of their commitment to safeguard the electoral process. They provided comprehensive details on how standard security protocols would be adeptly implemented to support this initiative.

In the meeting with the Municipality of Florence, the discussions focused on securing suitable venues for organizing the voting process, maintaining these facilities, and the related contractual arrangements. The parties also reviewed the list of required voting equipment and the procedures for leasing it to the Ukrainian authorities. Additionally, the dialogue touched upon Florence's previous experiences in facilitating out-of-country voting for other nations, leveraging this historical expertise to enhance the current collaboration.

Engagement with Italian activists

As a pivotal goal of the visit, the Ukrainian delegation engaged with Ukrainian activists from throughout Italy. The gathering was attended by 37 Ukrainian community leaders, representing a wide array of associations covering the entire territory of Italy. During the meeting, Ukrainian authorities sought input from these community leaders on the proposed model for organizing out-of-country voting in Italy. Discussions focused on several critical areas, including voter registration, voting methods, the formation of precinct election commissions, training for election officials, conducting voter education campaigns, and the establishment of election results. 

Representatives of the Ukrainian community expressed their eagerness to assist in organizing out-of-country voting for the upcoming post-war Ukrainian elections. They confidently stated their belief that Ukraine will ensure its citizens have ample opportunities to participate in the decision-making process, which will shape the country's future.

Encounter with Peruvian representatives and diaspora in Italy

During the visit, the Ukrainian delegation and representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora in Italy met with the Peruvian consulate and its diaspora to learn from their experience in organizing large-scale out-of-country voting in Florence. For the more than 10,000 Peruvians residing in Florence, 35 polling stations are typically established to ensure a smooth voting process, a critical arrangement given the mandatory voting in Peru for national elections. The discussions covered practical issues such as setting up polling stations outside embassies and consulates, hiring and training election officials, voter registration, voter communication, and the voting and counting processes. The Peruvian community expressed their solidarity with Ukraine during these challenging times and offered to provide advisory support as needed.

Organizing Ukraine's first post-war elections presents unprecedented challenges due to substantial damage to the electoral infrastructure and the displacement of millions of voters both within and outside the country. International IDEA continues its support for Ukrainian authorities—including the Parliament of Ukraine, the Central Election Commission, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as well as other state and civil society actors—to determine the most effective model for out-of-country voting (OCV) in the upcoming post-war elections. The visit to Italy marks the fourth in a series of consultative trips, following earlier visits to Spain, Moldova, and Romania. A report and recommendations from the Parliamentary Electoral Dialogue are available for further details.