Opposition extends parliamentary blockade

Opposition MPs extended on Feb. 8 their blockade of parliament for the third day, demanding that Speaker Volodymyr Rybak activate an already installed and tested sensor voting system that would require all MPs to vote personally, instead of allowing others to cast ballots on their behalf. As his response, Rybak said activating the system would require changes to the parliamentary rules. Majority MPs appear to be willing to compromise, proposing holding sessions once or twice a week if the system is implemented. This parliamentary session was supposed to have commenced on Feb. 5. If the session’s start is delayed 30 days beyond this date, the president has the right to dismiss the parliament.