Parliamentary faction leader Davyd Arakhamia shared key details on preparations for Ukraine’s upcoming presidential elections and referendum. According to him, draft laws on elections and the referendum may be presented by the end of February. First reading is expected in March, second in April, and final approval possibly in May. Lawmakers are not rushing the process, while the president demonstrates readiness to Western partners, especially the US.
The main scenario envisions simultaneous holding of elections and the referendum, potentially within 90 or even 60 days, provided that a peace agreement is reached and a ceasefire established. If these conditions are not met, the process may have to be revised.
The referendum will likely feature one straightforward question: whether the nation supports the peace agreement. Constitutionally, the question must have a clear “yes” or “no” answer. There is also discussion about allowing both online and offline voting—an initiative favored by the president but debated due to concerns about unequal access and low turnout, particularly among internally displaced persons.
Expert opinion holds that such elections are feasible only after the war’s end—when bombardments have ceased and stability has returned. Russia, meanwhile, may refuse to recognize the results, citing its refusal to accept Zelensky or the procedures. Negotiations must also specify the requirement of returning occupied Ukrainian territories, including their removal from Russia’s constitution.
The referendum is seen as a tool for public legitimacy of key decisions. However, legislation needs to be adapted to new realities to guarantee real access to election processes. The final dates for elections and referendum will depend on security conditions and political agreements.
