The holding of elections in Ukraine has been practically suspended since the beginning of the Russian invasion in 2022 due to the declared state of war.
“We will go to the elections when all the necessary security guarantees are established,” Zelenski told reporters in a voice message. “I said it’s very simple: establish a ceasefire and there will be elections,” he added.
Zelensky also pointed out that, if Russia agrees, it would be possible to “end hostilities by the summer.”
His statement followed a Financial Times report that Ukraine, facing pressure from Washington, is considering holding presidential elections in the next three months. Earlier, Zelensky repeatedly repeated that Ukraine can hold elections only after the signing of the peace agreement with Russia, but recently he signaled his readiness for a quick vote as part of the American plan to end the war. He also stressed that any agreement involving the ceding of territory to Moscow would have to be decided in a referendum.
Russia has repeatedly tried to question Zelensky’s legitimacy after 2024, when his term would expire in peacetime.
Practical obstacles to holding elections are still numerous. These include guaranteeing security during the election campaign and on voting day, as well as allowing millions of Ukrainian refugees who had to go abroad to vote. Millions of people are internally displaced, while hundreds of thousands live under Russian occupation or are active at the front.
Public opinion polls show that the Ukrainian public has little interest in holding elections during
(Vijesti.ba)
