The National Democratic Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to support and strengthen democratic institutions worldwide through citizen participation, openness and accountability in government.

In an op-ed for the Ukrainian news magazine Focus, Kristina Wilfore, NDI’s resident director for Ukraine, addresses the issue of the 70,000 cameras that have been installed in polling stations across the country to broadcast voting live during the upcoming parliamentary elections on Oct. 28. Rather than reassuring voters of the election’s transparency, some voters in rural areas have expressed fear that the cameras will instead reveal how they voted, especially after the authorization was passed without consulting political parties or civic groups.

Wilfore expresses concerns about cameras being turned off immediately after voting has ended, and argues that the cameras should remain on for the vote count to increase transparency. “It should be understood that, if cameras are used on election day, they need to complement, not substitute for systematic citizen observation.” Wilfore argues that everyone should have access to the election-day footage, and a concerted effort needs to be made by election authorities, political parties, civic organizations and the media to increase trust in the way the cameras are used.

“It is my sincere hope that they can summon the political will to address issues that have made citizens mistrust the system, including concerns raised by the plans to use video cameras in polling places. Only then can voters go to the polls without fear and concentrate on what matters most: electing the representatives who will reflect their interests during the next five years.”