Technical Candidates and their Role in the Election Process.

Abstract

The article analyzes such phenomenon as technical candidates which is relevant to the electoral practice of modern Ukraine. Scientists emphasize that the problem is actualized due to the fact that the research of technical candidates and their role in the electoral process is not adequately covered in the domestic and foreign political science. Mentions of this contemporary phenomenon can be found more at the level of journalism and political analytics, which necessitates the need for a comprehensive scientific study of technical candidates during election campaigns.

Based on the analysis of the positions of Ukrainian and foreign experts, the authors identify the goal which is inherent in the technical candidates: to create more favorable conditions for winning the "candidate-host" on the elections. In order to help their "employer", technical candidates defraud the votes of his opponents; increase the representation of the “candidate-host ” in election commissions; use explicit or implicit support of this candidate; are inactive during election races etc.

Researchers propose their own definition according to which technical candidates are understood as false persons who participate in the election campaign, not for victory but for realization the interests of other subjects of the electoral process by manipulating voters. Scientists, however, emphasize that it is incorrect to refer to the category of technical candidates independent, but unpopular politicians who, although acting in their own interests, have no chance of winning, or use specific elections as a springboard for the next ones.

The authors also consider the problem of qualitative assessment of technical candidates and conclude that this phenomenon is not an illegal phenomenon, but its application leads to violation of moral and ethical principles, implies manipulation and can significantly distort the election result. Researchers point out that the main condition for neutralizing the influence of technical candidates on the course and election results is a high level of electoral culture of citizens.