Electoral branch of power in modern Ukraine

The article introduces that the electoral branch is gradually being formed into an independent branch of state power in Ukraine, in which special state authorities operate. The electoral branch is already a component of the separation of powers in a modern state, and this is an important guarantee of the rule of law and of the condition for the democratic functioning of state power. The electoral branch is becoming an integral component of the separation of powers mechanism. The development of Ukrainian statehood actualizes the need for appropriate scientific support for the institutionalization of power and legal regulation of its realization. The electoral branch as a branch of state power represents the powers to conduct preparing and holding elections and referenda, as well as to ensure, exercise and protect the voting rights and the right of citizens of a certain state to participate in a referendum, as well as the system of electoral bodies of different levels exercising these powers. In Ukraine, electoral commissions led by the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) are special electoral authorities. Here we are faced with the problem of determining the nature of electoral commissions, and therefore the institutionalization of the electoral branch in Ukraine. The CEC of Ukraine is a permanent state collegial body vested with the power to organize preparing and holding elections to the public authorities. The main task of the CEC of Ukraine is to ensure the realization and protection of constitutional sovereign rights of citizens to elect authorities, to participate in referenda, as well as to express their will. In order to fulfill its responsibilities, the CEC is endowed with rights and powers allowing the involvement of public authorities of all levels in the electoral campaign process. The CEC is an independent and autonomous body, financed exclusively by the budget. In the modern world, electoral branch has been institutionalized through the electoral authorities in many states, and in some of them it has been constitutionalized, that is, it has been enshrined in the legislation and in the constitution. Similar processes are taking place in modern Ukraine. The creation of the theoretical foundations of the electoral branch from the viewpoint of general theoretical legal science and constitutional legal science will enable to raise the question of enshrining the electoral branch as a branch of state power in the Constitution of Ukraine.