As we showed in the map earlier, [3] the spread of pro-Russian-held cities is rapid across eastern Ukraine and it seems things are reaching a very dangerous head very quickly. As RIA reports [4], the Central Election Commission of the "Donetsk People's Republic" has agreed to hold a referendum (covering 55 territorial election commissions, more than two thousand polling stations, and more than two million ballots) on May 11th. Citizens will answer one simple question, "Do you support the act of the proclamation of independence of the Donetsk State People's Republic?" As RIA adds [5], leadership have stated that region of Donetsk will not vote in the May 25 presidential election in Ukraine if the majority of residents support independence.
RIA reports [4]that the Central Election Commission "Donetsk People's Republic" formed the referendum 55 territorial election commissions, and more than two thousand polling stations, published more than two million ballots, according to RIA Novosti, the CEC Chairman, "the People's Republic of Donetsk" Roman Lyagin.
"We organize the referendum, preparation for the meeting less than a month. During this time, much has been done: we formed today 55 TECs and 2000 279 plots. Process that the state is held over three months, we have been in the past month" - he said.
The referendum will be held in Donetsk region on May 11. Citizens will have to answer the question: "Do you support the act of the proclamation of independence of the Donetsk State People's Republic?".
Turnout is expected to reach 70 percent of voters area.
According to the head of the CEC, the funds for a vote there. "We are holding a referendum on popular initiative, the budget is minimal. This donation of ordinary people," - said Lyagin.
According to him, to print newsletters, you need 100 000 hryvnia, the basic costs of buying paper. He also clarified that the devices for printing ballots "were provided by our friends, partners, we did not buy them."
The referendum results will be announced on May 12.
Activists are sure it will be just the beginning of the path. "We'll get right to self-determination and decide how we want to see your region.
This is a problem for the current Ukraine government - as another major region of their country fades away from their control...
The eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk will not vote in the May 25 presidential election in Ukraine if the majority of residents support independence in a referendum two weeks earlier, a protest leader said Wednesday.
“We have no plans to take part in our neighbor’s election,” said Denis Pushilin, a leader of the self-proclaimed People’s Republic of Donetsk.
...
Moscow has repeatedly expressed doubts about the legitimacy of upcoming presidential elections in Ukraine, saying they violate international laws and urging Kiev to take into consideration the demands of all citizens in the country.
In the meantime, we showed the map earlier of what regions are currently under separatist control [3], but as the following map shows, there is a growing number of regions that "at risk"...
[6]
Source: @ukroblogger
So, now what will Washington do?