“I would be pleased”: the President on elections, war and political responsibility
21 August 18:22
on August 21, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an important statement about the prospects for holding elections in the country.
During a meeting with journalists, he emphasized that he would be happy if the elections had already taken place, but stressed that in times of war, this topic should not split society. This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian" with reference to Interfax-Ukraine.
The only request to the candidates
The President voiced his main wish for all those who plan to run for office:
This, according to Zelensky, is his “only request” to political players who are considering running for office.
Elections in a time of war: what is known
The issue of holding elections in Ukraine remains open. According to a resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of February 25, elections cannot be held until the war is over. Parliament Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk said that work is currently underway on a bill that would regulate the electoral process after martial law is lifted.
In March, the head of the Central Election Commission, Oleh Didenko, reminded that the current legislation provides for the holding of
- parliamentary elections – 60 days after the end of martial law;
- presidential elections – in 90 days.
At the same time, draft law No. 13464 has been registered in the parliament, which provides for the possibility of adapting electoral legislation to the conditions of war. Its purpose is to create legal mechanisms for holding elections even during martial law, if it is safe to do so.
International Context
During a meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House on August 18, Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is ready for elections, but only if it is safe.
“You cannot hold elections during the war,” he emphasized.
