The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has opened an election observation mission in Ukraine for the upcoming parliamentary vote.
OSCE Ambassador Lubomir Kopaj of Slovakia is heading the mission, which consists of 12 members in Kiev and 50 others deployed across Ukraine. They will observe the electoral process and campaigns for compliance with OSCE standards for a democratic vote.
The OSCE has also requested another 600 observers for election day to monitor the opening of polling stations, the voting, and ballot counting.
Ukraine's parliamentary elections are scheduled for March 26.