One of the points in Ukraine's peace agreement concerns elections. Public debate is ongoing about when they might be held: during the war, after its conclusion, or tied to sequential processes such as elections with a referendum first, followed by the signing of a peace agreement, or vice versa.
President Volodymyr Zelensky insists that presidential elections and a referendum should be held first, followed by the signing of a peace agreement. However, this requires a ceasefire, which Russia is not currently supporting.
The Verkhovna Rada has established a working group to prepare changes to existing election legislation, particularly considering the possibility of holding elections during martial law. First Deputy Speaker Oleksandr Kornienko stated that proposals will be prepared by the end of January. The working group is divided into seven subgroups handling election administration, security criteria, safeguarding voting rights for military personnel, participation of internally displaced persons and residents of temporarily occupied territories, overseas voting, informational support, and Ukraine’s international electoral obligations.
Representatives of civil society are also involved in these subgroups. Olha Aivazovska, Chair of the Board of the OPORA civil network, stated that elections under martial law are unacceptable, as is combining presidential elections with a post-war referendum.
Experts believe that only presidential elections and a referendum are likely after hostilities end, with parliamentary elections likely postponed for a longer period. The Central Election Commission’s draft proposes elections after martial law ends, with clear organization for voting by military personnel, displaced persons, and citizens abroad.
The debate continues, as civic organizations emphasize the importance of guaranteeing democratic and safe elections, even in challenging circumstances.
