Ukraine is actively working on new electoral legislation. A dedicated working group has been formed and split into seven subgroups, each focusing on specific directions, including international electoral support. This is crucial to enable Ukrainians abroad to vote not only in diplomatic missions but at other locations in many countries, which will require new international agreements.
Each of the seven subgroups must submit their proposals by the end of January. After that, these will need to be coordinated to form a draft law. The earliest possible appearance of this draft is not before February.
Conducting elections and referendums under martial law remains a serious issue. Potential compromises include amending the martial law statute or introducing a state of emergency less restrictive for elections. Elections could only be held after a stable ceasefire lasting at least 60 days, but even with a ceasefire, martial law may remain in force.
The referendum subject also raises political and legal debates, complicating the process. A key concern is the possibility of elections becoming part of a peace deal, bringing risks of external influence. Ukraine’s prevailing position is that only Ukrainians can decide on electoral conditions, without interference from Russia or other negotiation participants.
