Ukraine's election dilemma: Democracy deferred amid conflict
Western partners of Ukraine are calling for presidential elections to be conducted after the military activities have concluded. The United States is reportedly very insistent on this, according to the independent media "Moscow Times". It remains unclear whether Volodymyr Zelensky will run in any potential elections. First, the war must end, and then an update to the voter registry in the country is necessary.
Ukraine's Western allies have repeatedly emphasized the need for presidential elections to be held as soon as the war ends. According to "Moscow Times" sources, elections should be held a few months after the conflict ends.
Sources from the RBC Ukraine portal say presidential elections are expected to be easier to conduct than parliamentary ones. The United States is particularly urging this. Perhaps organizing elections would be included in a potential framework for a peace agreement ending the war.
It is not certain, however, whether President Volodymyr Zelensky will decide to run in the elections. The 46-year-old has been in office since May 2019. Zelensky's five-year term was supposed to end last year, but martial law is in effect in the country. As the portal emphasizes, Zelensky's decision to run again will depend on the conditions at the end of the war and potential competitors. His close circle is reportedly encouraging him to run again.
Zaluzhny a challenger for Zelensky? "Afraid to take responsibility"
Polls show significantly higher ratings for Valeriy Zaluzhny, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the current Ukrainian ambassador to the United Kingdom. According to the Moscow Times, Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian president's office, has personally urged Zaluzhny to drop his political aspirations and pressured him to lead Zelensky's party in the Verkhovna Rada elections.
Following the conversation, he appeared in good spirits, though his optimism seemed unlikely. According to reports, Zaluzhny mentioned that he had not yet made a decision about entering politics. It appeared he was hesitant to take on such a significant responsibility, one of the portal's sources explained.
Currently, it is unknown exactly when elections might take place. Political plans are shifting to the autumn, but the war's end is uncertain. Even if the war ends this year, election preparations could take up to six months.
During this time, it will be necessary to update voter registries and ensure the participation of Ukrainians abroad in the vote. It is estimated that up to 8 million people have left the country. Internet voting is likely not an option.
