Feb 11 • 13:36 UTC 🇱🇹 Lithuania 15min

Why Ukraine Has Not Yet Held Elections: The Main Obstacles Identified

Ukraine is contemplating presidential elections within the next three months despite the ongoing war creating significant legal and practical hurdles.

The 'Financial Times' reported on Wednesday that Kyiv is considering the possibility of holding presidential elections in the next three months, despite operating under martial law since Russia's invasion in February 2022. The current state of war complicates the electoral process, as the declaration of martial law prohibits the organization of elections. President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated a desire to conduct elections following the signing of a peace treaty with Russia, and has recently mentioned the potential for a quick vote as part of a broader plan to resolve the conflict inspired by U.S. proposals.

To address the electoral feasibility, Kyiv established a working group of politicians and military officials last year to explore the conditions necessary to hold presidential elections after lifting the state of martial law. However, the ongoing war poses critical challenges that must be addressed, as President Zelensky expressed concerns over ensuring the country's strength and preventing any weakening of its position during this precarious time. The implications of these potential elections and their timing are significant for Ukraine’s future governance and stability.

As Ukraine navigates its path towards potentially holding presidential elections amid a war context, it underscores the intricate balance of political, military, and civic considerations. The international community will be closely watching to see how Ukraine manages this complex situation and whether it can fulfill its democratic processes under such challenging circumstances, which may set a precedent for other war-torn nations contemplating similar paths.

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