Information on the thesis

The dissertation analyzes the characteristics of regional structuring of the party system of Ukraine. The methodological toolbox for the study of regional development and functioning of the party system of Ukraine has been formulated. The periodization of the party system of Ukraine, the criterion for which electoral cycles, including presidential, parliamentary and local elections are chosen, has been proposed. Based on the chosen criterion, the following periods were distinguished: 1) 1991-2004; 2) 2004-2014; 3) since 2014. Within the framework of the above-mentioned periods, the regional characteristics of party structuring in Ukraine have been analyzed.

The characteristics of the process of nationalization of the party system have been highlighted and the reasons for the emergence of regional political parties have been outlined. The following configuration of the party structure at the regional level has been proposed: 1) national parliamentary political parties; 2) national non-parliamentary parties; 3) regional parties; 4) subregional parties operating within one or more areas: a) political parties of one / several single-mandate constituencies; b) local parties that are situationally used by local politicians to secure electoral support at elections to local self-government bodies (oblast, rayon, local councils).

The regional dimension of the party system of Ukraine within the national election cycles of 1994-2004 has been investigated. The influence of the constituent elections, parliamentary and local elections in 1998 and 2002 on the configuration of the regional party structure has been displayed. The actualization and the dominant influence of the socio-cultural division on the format of the party system by the results of the 2002 parliamentary elections has been acknowledged.

The regionalization of party influence in the context of socio-political processes during 2004-2015 has been characterized. Change in the balance of party influence in the regions of Ukraine in 2004-2007, 2010-2012, 2014-2015 has been demonstrated. The current state, prospects and development trends of the regional party structures have been outlined. It was stated that the main types of parties that form the Ukrainian party system are the following: leading parliamentary parties; “Old” party brands; populist parties; regional parties; subregional parties; parties of national minorities; militarized parties; parties of civil initiatives; “New” party formations of financial-industrial groups.

Key words: Ukraine, party system of Ukraine, nationalization of the party system, regional political parties, subregional political parties, parliamentary elections, local elections, regional party structure.