Brian Mefford: Decentralization delayed or denied?

Decentralization Delayed but Not Yet Denied: With just a week before the current Parliamentary session ends, supporters of decentralization are still short of the 300 votes they need to pass the sweeping Constitutional changes. The long awaited decentralization legislation would transfer powers from the Office of the President and Cabinet of Ministers to local governments. It would also give local governments more budget powers and control of their community priorities. However since the changes are contrary to the current Constitution of Ukraine, they require a 2/3 vote of 300 deputies rather than a majority of 226. On August 31st, following violent protests which resulted in the deaths of three persons, Parliament mustered just 265 votes in favor of the decentralization legislation. Under Ukrainian law, only the final vote on an issue requires the full 300 votes with the initial requiring only a majority of 226. However Ukrainian law also requires that Constitutional changes be passed in two different sessions of Parliament. Specifically the Constitution requires that it be passed in the “next session” of Parliament.