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| Screenshot from Chesno video evidence |
In a new article to be
published in a 2019 edition of Post-Soviet Affairs, my colleagues and I assess the impact of illicit proxy voting on lawmaking in Ukraine's parliament. Although members of parliament are supposed to cast votes in the legislature personally, political parties often arrange to have votes cast even when their members are not present. This process has been captured on camera regularly by the media and non-governmental organizations (notably
Chesno).
In many cases, proxy votes are necessary to pass legislation. But, relying on the votes of absentee legislators to pass laws undermines representation and accountability. The article estimates the impact of proxy voting, showing how it is a widespread phenomenon that is not limited to a single political party or partisan orientation.
