Government and politics in Ukraine
Ukraine continues to make steady progress toward developing a democratic
state based on the rule of law. Under Ukraine's first post-Soviet
Constitution, adopted on June 28, 1996, power was formally divided
between three branches of government -- the executive, national
legislature, and the judiciary. Although the new Constitution has
not definitively resolved the formal division of powers between
the three branches of government, it has provided the Ukrainians
with a strong, legal framework for addressing this problem. More
importantly, it has codified the fundamental rights of free speech,
freedom of the press and assembly, and freedom of religion for all
Ukrainians.
Ukraine's unicameral parliament, known as the Rada, has 450 seats
and is elected to a four-year term. Beginning with the March 1998
elections, half of the Rada's seats are filled from individual single-seat
districts, while the other half are filled from political party
lists.
The Ukrainian Prime Minister, whom the President nominates, is
subject to the Rada's approval. The Prime Minister is responsible
for heading the government and his primary duties include selecting
and chairing the Council of Ministers. The division of powers between
the Presidency and the Prime Minister's office, however, has often
proved to be an issue of contention.
Ukraine's Presidency remains the preeminent post in the Ukrainian
government. The President is the commander-in-chief of the armed
forces and may veto Rada legislation. The Rada can override Presidential
vetoes by a two-thirds vote. Under the new Constitution, Ukrainians
hold presidential elections every five years and are scheduled to
return to the polls in 2004.
Useful sites for more information:
|
