National Referenda in Ukraine: Main Results and Consequences

Abstract

The article contains scientific interpretation of the outcomes and identification of the defining characteristics of translation into practice of the main results of the referenda, which were held in Ukraine over the period from 1991 to 2000. During the period at hand, the total of three national referenda took place in Ukraine: on 17 March, 1 December, 1991, and 16 April, 2000. The author considers the key points regarding organizing and holding of such referenda as aforesaid based on the official data and those obtained by the author. The author specifically focuses on the fact that out of the seven questions put up for the referenda only one was carried into effect - the confirmation of the Declaration of Independence Act of Ukraine (12.01.1991). The rest of the results were ignored by the authorities. Based on the example of Ukraine, the nature of the influence of both external and internal factors on general poll organization is identified for the first time in a consolidated manner. The author also presents scientific data in order to prove the idea that in the contemporary environment it is essential to adhere to democratic principles in the course of public life management and especially when addressing fundamental issues of the government administration system. In this regard, the referendum (general poll), as a most important institution of democracy, is extremely important. The article also accentuates the imperative that human rights must be respected, including, inter alia, both the right to participate in referenda (general polls) and the right to demand translation of their outcomes into practice. Furthermore, the author for the first time systemically examines organization and procedure of referenda (general polls) in Ukraine and translation of their results into practice, using forms and methods of research object scientific analysis which are traditional for political sociology. In the present paper, the author primarily uses and refers to official documents and fundamental assessments by political leaders who were involved in the process of organizing and holding referenda in Ukraine.