Investigation: Ukrainian parties drop ball on promises

Ukrainian political parties have a poor track record of fulfilling campaign promises, according to an investigation by Kyiv Post published on Friday. Of the ruling Party of Regions’ promises in the 2007 and 2012 campaigns, only two of seven have been met – increasing the state child allowance and giving the Russian language regional status, the Communists only met one of six – returning Soviet-era savings, while opposition has met (or partially met) four of ten goals. 

Brad Wells: The low scores are a reminder of one of the many reasons for high voter disenchantment in Ukraine. Notably, all three of the parties in the investigation are expected to make it into the next parliament and there is little reason to expect change in terms of follow up on 2012 campaign promises either. Ukrainian politics continues to be less about ideology and more about personality and perceived patriotism.