Discussions regarding the potential for elections in Ukraine are ongoing, yet the prospect of conducting a vote amid the current security instability has been deemed unfeasible. According to Oleksandr Korniienko, the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, elections can only be organized under conditions of stable peace and security guarantees.
Korniienko, who leads the working group preparing the legislative framework for elections during special and post-war periods, stated that while legislative preparations are underway, the prevailing security situation precludes any electoral processes. “The security situation is unfortunately not improving; in fact, it is deteriorating, particularly concerning attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure,” he remarked.
He highlighted areas such as the left bank of the Dnipro River, Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv, which have experienced significant shelling. Korniienko emphasized that any elections would require “guaranteed peace and security assurances,” noting that the legislative groundwork necessary for such elections will take time to establish.
Furthermore, he addressed speculation surrounding calls for a ceasefire, asserting that the government remains opposed to lifting sanctions under the current conditions. He indicated that the matter of a ceasefire is primarily a question for the President and the government rather than the parliamentary body.
Korniienko reiterated that holding elections during active combat and a state of war poses significant risks to citizens. He stated, “We must emphasize repeatedly that during open military actions and in the context of an ongoing conflict, conducting any electoral procedures is impossible and poses dangers to Ukrainian citizens.”
Context of Elections in Ukraine
Previously, The Times reported that Ukraine is unlikely to hold elections this year. Members of the official election working group were expected to submit a draft law to parliament by the end of March, but key issues regarding how to ensure fair elections free from Russian interference had not been resolved, leading to a postponement until May.
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, criticized the discussions about conducting elections during the ongoing conflict during her address at the Munich Security Conference. She reaffirmed Europe’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
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The feasibility of conducting elections in Ukraine remains questionable due to ongoing security concerns. Legislative preparations are in progress, but the current conflict poses significant risks to electoral processes.