Reports Emerge on Potential Ukrainian Election and Referendum
The Financial Times has published a report suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is prepared to announce presidential elections and a referendum for February 24. This news has drawn a response from Ukrainian experts, including Olha Aivazovska, head of the civil society organization 'Opora'. She expressed doubts about the advisability of holding elections during this difficult period, noting that public support for elections while active combat continues in Ukraine stands at only about 10%.
According to the FT, preparations for elections began after the Trump administration demanded that these votes be held by May 15. Sources indicate that the president and his allies signaled to the Trump administration their willingness to work within this tight timeframe. The prospect of holding a national vote during wartime is highly contentious and presents significant logistical and security challenges.
A working group tasked with preparing legislative initiatives for wartime and post-war elections has scheduled a meeting for February 12. This group has already held two sessions—on December 25 and January 8. The upcoming meeting plans to hear reports from seven subgroups, which have conducted 32 meetings over the past month. To enable voting, new norms must be introduced into:
- The Criminal Code;
- The Code of Administrative Offenses;
- Procedural legislation.
According to the working schedule, the Verkhovna Rada will work on making the necessary legal amendments in March and April. The Central Election Commission (CEC) proposes introducing a mandatory requirement for candidates to submit a declaration of any ties to the Russian Federation or any other state threatening Ukraine. Furthermore, the CEC plans to allow military personnel to vote at their current location. It is important to note that the start of the election process must begin no later than six months after the termination or cancellation of the martial law regime.
Olha Aivazovska also emphasized that parliament currently lacks sufficient votes to pass any related decisions.
“This process could be complicated and lengthy due to the lack of unanimity in the coalition, which could independently make decisions.”After drafting the legal framework in the form of a bill, numerous further meetings with factions and groups will be required, where new interests, including political and personal ones, may arise.
The Central Election Commission has also adopted a resolution on specific issues regarding the creation of an automated information and communication system called the 'All-Ukrainian Referendum'. In the context of Ukraine's complex political and military situation, the question of holding elections and a referendum remains pertinent and requires thorough discussion.
The reports of a potential election and referendum announcement represent a significant development amid the political instability caused by ongoing hostilities. The lack of consensus in parliament and the low level of public support for elections suggest that holding a vote would be fraught with difficulty. Preparations, including legislative changes, must be undertaken with extreme care given the existing risks and challenges.