Public meeting “Constitutional process in Ukraine: from the treaty of political elites to public consensus”

Constitutional documents were adopted twice during the history of independence in Ukraine – in 1996 and 2004. HoweverEach time it was the result of a treaty of political elitesOn the division of powers, power and national wealth. In essence, society was removed from the constitutional process and did not participate in it, and therefore the Constitution has never become a manifestation of a common civil will, the project of which would be to become a project of a state of Ukraine, which would unite all citizens.

That is why, being an elite agreement, not a contract on the basis of a broad social agreement, existingThe Constitution is unable to ensure the successful transformation of Ukraine into a modern democratic state, create conditions for political stability, effective reforms or consolidation of society.

Last year, work was launched on the new major law of the country, however, the constitutional reform is still discussed largely at closed doors, and the public is completely deprived of the ability to influence and receives a ready -made draft document at the end.

For a purposestarting a nationwide, inclusive process to create a new constitutionIn all regions of Ukraine, the International Center for Perspective Research (ICPD) initiates a series of public discussions in all regions of Ukraine designed to start a constitutional process on the basis of the widest possible public involvement, as is customary in democratic countries. The result of this process should be a draft of a new constitution, created as a compromise between different social groups and regions in all regions of Ukraine.

The issues that were discussed:

• How to start the process of developing a new Basic Law of Ukraine on the basis of consensus around key values?
• Updating the current Constitution: Does this path correspond to the public request and logic of development of Ukrainian society?
• Who and what blocks the creation of a new constitution on the basis of a social contract?
• What is the role of civil society in the process of creating a new Constitution of Ukraine on the basis of common public will?
• How can a new basic law developed on the basis of public consensus can contribute to the reintegration of Ukraine?
• International practice of conducting an inclusive democratic process: what can be useful for Ukraine?

To participate in the discussion have been invited:Public sector representatives/activists, representatives of local self -government bodies, scientific environment (teachers/graduate students), journalists, politically active citizens, etc.

The event was held within the project“Building a social dialogue for constitutional reform”with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation.
The main speakers were recognized experts in the field of constitutional law:

• Gennady Druzenko
• Victor Zherditsky
• Taras Stetskiv
• Sergey Kishchenko
• Representative of the Center for Political and Legal Reforms

The event took place in Chernihiv Park-Otel Hotel (conference-hall) on Str. Shevchenko, 103-A, Fr. 11.00 – 13.00.