Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated the possibility of conducting elections in wartime, contingent on security assurances from the United States and European allies. In a statement made to journalists on December 9, 2023, he emphasized that the safety of voters and soldiers would be pivotal to any electoral process.
Zelensky’s Call for Security Assurance
During a recent interview, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine’s elections should occur soon. Zelensky responded, affirming that the feasibility of holding elections amid ongoing Russian aggression is heavily reliant on external security guarantees.
“I’m asking now, and stating this openly, for the U.S. to help me. Together with our European partners, we can ensure the security needed to hold elections,” Zelensky stated. He expressed readiness to proceed with elections within the next 60 to 90 days, although he noted that discussions with Washington on this issue have yet to commence.
Legal Considerations and Legislative Changes
The Ukrainian president’s position marks a significant shift from earlier comments by officials, who indicated that elections would only be feasible post-war. Zelensky now proposes the possibility of elections if a ceasefire is achieved. He has urged lawmakers to draft proposals that would amend election laws under martial law.
- Ukraine was set to hold a presidential election in March or April 2024.
- Presidential, parliamentary, and local elections are currently banned under martial law enacted on February 24, 2022.
- Any elections can only be conducted after the lifting of martial law.
Public Opinion on Elections
A recent survey by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology revealed varying public sentiments regarding the elections:
- 22% of Ukrainians support holding elections after a ceasefire with security guarantees.
- 63% believe elections should only occur after the war has concluded.
Additionally, a survey by Info Sapiens indicated that only 20.3% of Ukrainians would support Zelensky in future elections, following a major corruption scandal during his presidency. Despite this, he remains the most favored candidate, marginally leading Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s ambassador to the U.K. and former commander-in-chief.
Context for Political Developments
The discussions surrounding elections emerge during a crucial period, as the U.S. encourages Ukraine to engage in peace talks to resolve the ongoing conflict. Zelensky’s administration is navigating this complex landscape while addressing the fallout from recent political controversies.
