New local elections law aimed to balkanize opposition electorate

“When the earlier law was passed in spring, the Party of Regions was viewed as a shoo-in in the local elections. However, as its approval ratings began to dwindle, victory for the Regions seems to be quite questionable,” the expert said.

Still, it is rather difficult to assess how the new election law will impact voting results. “There are many representatives of small and medium businesses among Regions voters who still cherish hopes of changing the new Tax Code [unfavorable to business, according to experts – Ed.].

Meanwhile, the number of voters backing the opposition has grown at the expense of disillusioned pensioners whom the Regions had offered the carrot of higher pensions and social benefits, the expert said.

However, it is too early to forecast what’s going to happen in Ukraine. The election campaign has not started yet, and expectations of political players may be shattered in two months before the voting day on Oct. 31, the expert warns.