FEATURES OF THE EXPRESSION OF WILL OF POLTAVA REGION VOTERS IN THE PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 2012–2019

Abstract

The article examines the features of the expression of will of voters in the Poltava region in the presidential and parliamentary elections of 2012-2019. It is noted that in the Ukrainian state the electoral process, together with the political system of the country, is still at the stage of formation, although in general it is constantly dynamic and reflects all the shortcomings of this system. The elections manifest a dichotomy of voters' electoral preferences – when they voted for «their» political party but at the same time supported a candidate for parliament from another political force or a self-nominated candidate in general. Thanks to a comparative analysis of the results of the presidential and parliamentary elections of 2012– 2019 certain regional features of the electoral preferences of voters in Poltava region have been identified, which is typical for all of Ukraine. Extraordinary and atypical for Ukraine parliamentary elections in 2014. became a direct consequence of the transformation of electoral consciousness during the Revolution of Dignity аnd the 2019 presidential election have already become a kind of verdict on the political system and an assessment of the activities of the «old» political elites. A comparative analysis of voters electoral preferences indicates that the political palette of Poltava region's support for parliamentary parties is constantly in dynamics, differs from the average Ukrainian results, we observe a tendency towards an increase in the influence of pro-Ukrainian national-democratic forces. The results of voters expression of will in both presidential and parliamentary elections usually depend on several factors: the sociopolitical situation in the country (several times over the past 20 years, parliamentary elections have been held early, the Orange Revolution and the Revolution of Dignity took place, etc.), the quality of election work and the local team itself (the history and reputation of regional party leaders), especially the party faction (if it exists in the region), as well as the media and campaign work at the all-Ukrainian and regional levels of the party leader and its active members. Those parties that maintain their influence and rating in the region are those that have systematically established work with party assets, have structures in each community, have built an electoral network (agitarists and members of election commissions) and, have adequate funding and a constant media presence in the region. In all subsequent elections postponed due to Russian aggression, the participation of the military will play a significant role, according to public opinion polls.