The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe says it has extended its election mission in Ukraine to monitor the country's upcoming vote.
The 55-member organization says it plans to have more than 1,000 observers in Ukraine for the December 26 election.
It says the mission, from the organization's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, will be the office's largest ever. The organization had more than 600 monitors in Ukraine during the November presidential balloting.
In the statement Thursday, the group said the media has what it calls a crucial role in giving voters access to impartial information. It also said the election administration needs the full support of state authorities.
The organization says it will release preliminary findings the day after the election, and a final report about six weeks after the vote.