Ukrainian Election Commission Confirms MP's Death, But Cannot Call By-Election

Early Termination of MP Orest Salamakha's Mandate

According to Главком: The Central Election Commission (CEC) of Ukraine has formally acknowledged the early termination of the parliamentary mandate of MP Orest Salamakha. The official notification was received from the apparatus of the Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine's parliament. However, due to the ongoing martial law in the country, the commission is legally barred from scheduling a by-election to fill the vacant seat in his district.

Orest Salamakha was elected as a Member of Parliament in the extraordinary elections held on July 21, 2019, representing single-mandate constituency No. 121 in the Lviv region. Tragically, the MP died on January 25 following a road traffic accident in the village of Sokilnyky, Lviv Oblast. The accident occurred after the deputy drove a quad bike into oncoming traffic. Salamakha was a member of the 'Servant of the People' party.

Elections Under Martial Law

In its statement, the CEC noted that Ukrainian legislation typically requires the scheduling of an interim by-election in such cases. However, given that martial law remains in effect across Ukraine, the conduct of elections, including those for the Verkhovna Rada, is expressly prohibited. This prohibition is mandated by Ukraine's 'Law on the Legal Regime of Martial Law'. Consequently, the question of holding an election in Orest Salamakha's constituency will remain unresolved until martial law is lifted nationwide. This situation highlights the complex challenges of maintaining democratic processes during a prolonged national emergency.

The early termination of Orest Salamakha's powers underscores the difficulties facing Ukraine's political system during the extended period of martial law. The inability to hold a by-election may create a representation vacuum in the constituency, reflecting broader instability. This issue is also likely to fuel discussions about potential legislative initiatives aimed at adapting electoral procedures to the realities of wartime governance.