Elections “in time of war”: the CEC disclosed the estimated cost of voting in Ukraine
20 December 12:14
The upcoming elections in Ukraine may cost the state at least 20 billion hryvnias, including all related expenses.
This was stated by Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission Serhiy Dubovyk in an interview with RBC-Ukraine, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to him, the last presidential election in 2019 cost the budget about UAH 2 billion, but the current estimates are much higher due to inflation and new conditions. According to the CEC’s basic estimates, taking into account inflation, parliamentary and local elections cost an average of UAH 4-5 billion, while the presidential campaign is more expensive.
The presidential election will cost about 4-5 billion hryvnias for the first round, and 6.5-7 billion hryvnias for the second round, if a second vote is held.
“On average, the election campaign for parliamentary and local elections cost the CEC 4-5 billion hryvnias. The presidential campaign costs one and a half times more if there is a second round,” explained Dubovyk.
He emphasized that about 70% of all expenses are spent on salaries of members of district, precinct and territorial election commissions. At the same time, these amounts do not include the costs of local governments for the preparation of polling stations, premises and material support.
These additional costs, as well as a possible increase in the number of polling stations abroad, will increase foreign exchange costs.
“Taking into account the expenditures of local governments, if we are talking about all three types of elections, it is approximately UAH 20 billion. This is a conditional figure, but it is real, and it is no less,” summarized the deputy head of the CEC, admitting that such an amount is a serious challenge for the state.
Elections in Ukraine: what is known
US President Donald Trump has recently spoken out sharply against Ukraine, saying that it has allegedly lost its democratic status due to the lack of elections, repeating Russian narratives about the war as a reason for postponing them.
As a reminder, holding presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine under martial law is virtually impossible at this time due to security risks and constant shelling. The regular local elections scheduled for October 26 were also canceled for this very reason.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that the state is technically ready for elections, but they are possible only after a ceasefire or with real security guarantees. According to him, with such support, the election process could be organized within 60-90 days.
At the same time, Zelenskyy is waiting for proposals from the parliament to amend the legislation, as the Constitution prohibits holding elections during martial law.
Meanwhile, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin said he would “think” about security guarantees for the period of possible voting, while setting conditions for the participation of residents of the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
