Ukraine is 'ready for elections', President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated, following recent claims by US President Donald Trump that Kyiv is using the ongoing war to postpone democratic processes. Zelensky, whose term as president is set to conclude in May 2024, pointed out that elections have been suspended due to martial law implemented after Russia's invasion.
In response to Trump's comments during a Politico interview, Zelensky expressed that he would seek proposals to possibly amend laws that govern election scheduling. He noted that elections could take place in the next 60 to 90 days if security for the voting process could be assured with the cooperation of the US and other allied nations.
I'm asking now, and I'm stating this openly, for the US to help me, perhaps together with our European colleagues, to ensure security for the elections, he remarked. Zelensky emphasized that the decision about holding elections should depend on the will of the Ukrainian people, despite international pressures. Trump has insinuated that Ukraine’s refusal to hold elections is an excuse for Zelensky to prolong his power amidst the war.
Zelensky also addressed the narrative suggesting he is clinging to power, labeling it as 'completely unreasonable'. The necessity of ensuring fair elections was reiterated by Ukrainian opposition figures, highlighting that all eligible Ukrainians, including soldiers at the frontlines, should have the right to vote. Concerns about the feasibility of conducting elections during wartime were raised, with critics noting that maintaining security for polling stations would be a significant challenge given the ongoing conflict.
Surveys indicate that a considerable majority of Ukrainians oppose holding elections, even post-conflict. The discourse surrounding potential elections has been a recurring topic since the escalation of the war in 2022, often overshadowed by the urgent need for unity in the struggle against aggression.
