The deputy leader of the Batkivschyna All-Ukrainian Union, MP Oleksandr Turchynov, has said that all the opponents of a decision to nominate a single candidate from the opposition in Kyiv mayoral elections will be expelled from the faction and the party.

"No one is banned from proposing their candidacy for the mayor. We are a democratic organization, a democratic party and the united opposition is building its policy on democratic foundations. Any MP, and not only MPs, but members of the party can be nominated," Turchynov said in an interview with Radio Liberty.

"But as soon as the united opposition passes a decision to nominate a single candidate, those who oppose this decision will in fact oppose the opposition and help the ruling party," the lawmaker said.

According to Turchynov, the authorities would like the opposition to nominate as many candidates as possible to raise the chances of a pro-government candidate wining the mayoral election.

"Therefore there should be a single candidate. Anyone who disagrees with this, all those who play along with the authorities, will certainly be expelled from the faction and the party," the politician said.

"Everyone has an opportunity to offer their candidacy and be nominated, but after the decision is made, we should strictly follow it. This is the principle for our victory," Turchynov said.