No elections in Ukraine until war ends, Zelenskyy confirms

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that no elections will be held in Ukraine during the ongoing martial law, aligning with the country’s Constitution and legal framework. 

Zelenskyy stated during his address in the Verkhovna Rada that the Constitution and laws prohibit elections in wartime and emphasized that no nation is demanding elections under such circumstances, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

He stressed that Ukraine’s immediate priority is achieving a just peace, after which free and fair elections can take place.

Zelenskyy's speech also focused on the “Resilience Plan,” a detailed strategy to help Ukraine endure the hardships of war. According to the President, the plan is still being refined with contributions from civil society, the cultural sector, and experts. The Resilience Plan, which came after the “Victory Plan” presented to the US and Europe, contains 10 key points covering vital areas such as energy security, defence, and cultural sovereignty.

As President, Zelenskyy’s term remains legitimate, extending beyond May 2024, as he is not required to leave office until a new election takes place. The country’s martial law prohibits elections, with the Electoral Code stating that elections can only occur once the martial law ends. While some rumours have circulated suggesting the possibility of elections in 2025, this remains unconfirmed.

Despite the government's firm position on suspending elections during the war, preparations for a potential presidential election are still underway. Regional election headquarters are being mobilized, and work on forming candidate lists is progressing. However, some sources, including interviews with politicians in Kyiv, have suggested that elections will not take place before May 2025. One report by The Economist notes that if elections were held, Zelenskyy would likely face a low result if challenged by former military commander Valeriy Zaluzhny.

Zelenskyy himself has been urged by some officials to step down voluntarily to avoid tarnishing his reputation. The idea is that he could leave office without contesting the election, thus cementing his place in history as the leader who united the nation during wartime. However, there are concerns that the president's close circle is not fully transparent with him regarding the state of Ukraine's Armed Forces, and some claim he is being kept in a "sauna" of political isolation, disconnected from the realities on the ground.

Under the current legal regime, presidential elections in Ukraine were initially set for March 31, 2024, but have been postponed due to martial law. The Ukrainian Constitution and Article 19 of the law on martial law explicitly prohibit the holding of elections during wartime. According to the Electoral Code, elections must be scheduled within one month after martial law ends, and the heads of Verkhovna Rada factions signed a memorandum agreeing that elections would only take place after the war is over.

Polls have shown that the majority of Ukrainians oppose holding elections while the conflict continues, with Zelensky himself acknowledging the significant financial costs and logistical hurdles in organizing elections amid the war. Key issues include how to conduct voting, especially from the front lines, and how to ensure fair nominations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has claimed that the legitimate authority in Ukraine now rests with the Verkhovna Rada and its speaker, Ruslan Stefanchuk, following the suspension of the elections. Russian intelligence services have also indicated that the United States is considering holding presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine in 2025, despite the ongoing war.

By Tamilla Hasanova