Chesno (Ukrainian: Чесно, meaning “honestly” or “fairly”) is a Ukrainian non‑governmental organization (NGO) focused on promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical standards in public life. Established in December 2015, the organization conducts research, monitors the activities of politicians and public officials, and publishes assessments of the integrity and anti‑corruption credentials of candidates running for elected office in Ukraine.
Purpose and Activities
- Integrity Monitoring: Chesno maintains a publicly accessible database that rates political candidates and elected officials based on criteria such as declared assets, involvement in corruption scandals, and compliance with anti‑corruption legislation.
- Public Awareness: The NGO produces reports, policy briefs, and media content aimed at informing voters about the ethical standing of public figures.
- Advocacy: Chesno engages with legislative bodies, civil‑society partners, and international organizations to promote anti‑corruption reforms and strengthen democratic institutions in Ukraine.
Organizational Structure
Chesno operates as a charitable organization under Ukrainian law. Its governance includes a board of directors, an executive team, and a network of regional volunteers and analysts who contribute to data collection and verification processes. Funding is derived from a combination of donor grants, philanthropic foundations, and public contributions.
Notable Initiatives
- “Honest Rating” (Чесний рейтинг): An annual evaluation of parliamentary candidates and members of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian parliament), providing a comparative overview of their compliance with anti‑corruption standards.
- Transparency Campaigns: Partnerships with media outlets and civic platforms to disseminate findings during election cycles, aiming to reduce voter exposure to corrupt candidates.
Reception and Impact
Since its inception, Chesno has been recognized both domestically and internationally for its contributions to Ukraine’s anti‑corruption agenda. The organization’s reports are frequently cited by journalists, academic researchers, and policy analysts examining political accountability in Ukraine. However, critics have occasionally questioned the methodology of its rating system, prompting Chesno to periodically revise its assessment criteria to enhance reliability and objectivity.
External Links
- Official website: https://chesno.org/ (available in Ukrainian and English)
See also
- Anti‑corruption activism in Ukraine
- Transparency International Ukraine
Note: All information presented is based on publicly available sources up to June 2026.