On 9 February 2017, the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament) of Ukraine adopted in the second reading and as a whole draft Law of Ukraine No. 4742 "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine (Regarding the Status of a Village and Town Headman)".

271 Members of the Parliament voted for that resolution (roll-call voting).

The draft law sets forth the status of a headman more precisely by determining dimensional boundaries of his/ her activity, terms of reference, grounds and procedures for the early termination of powers, guarantees of activity, etc.

In particular, the notion of "headman's circuit" is introduced in the applicable laws - one or several villages (towns) within the territory of an amalgamated community where the interests of the inhabitants are represented by the headman. By this, the ubiquity of the institute of headmen within the boundaries of an amalgamated community is introduced, thus guaranteeing the protection of rights and interests of the inhabitants of all villages and towns.

It is a reminder that the draft law was passed in the first reading on 8 September 2016.

You can find more detailed information about the institute of headmen in the amalgamated communities HERE