Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces renewed calls to conduct wartime elections, despite constitutional restrictions during martial law. Mykhailo Fedorov, the former defense minister recently ousted from his position, has urged for the implementation of a legitimate and secure mechanism to allow Ukraine to resume its democratic processes amidst ongoing conflict with Russia.
While some argue that holding elections under current circumstances is impractical due to the ongoing war that began in February 2022, the political pressure for change may compel Zelenskyy to address the issue sooner rather than later. Tymofiy Mylovanov, a former government minister, noted that while Fedorov has brought elections to the forefront of domestic politics, the actual timing of such a move remains uncertain.
Fedorov, a 35-year-old reformer known for his tech expertise, had promoted the use of drone warfare in the conflict with Russia before his dismissal in July. Despite widespread protests against his removal and calls for his reinstatement, Zelenskyy appointed Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister. The feasibility of conducting elections in the current environment is questioned by experts, considering the logistical challenges posed by the war and the displacement of millions of Ukrainians.
Lesia Bidochko, a policy fellow, criticized Fedorov’s call for elections as populist without providing a practical plan for their execution. Ukrainian lawmaker Lesia Vasylenko also highlighted the complexity of constitutional changes required for wartime elections, citing the near impossibility of such a process during martial law. Zelenskyy has yet to directly respond to Fedorov’s proposal, with his communications advisor emphasizing the pressing security concerns posed by Russia’s ongoing military actions.
Experts warn that pushing for wartime elections could risk national unity and expose Ukraine to further interference by Moscow. Russian authorities have already challenged Zelenskyy’s legitimacy, citing the expiration of his term in May 2024. The international community, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, has voiced concerns over the delay in holding elections, emphasizing the need for a democratic vote to address the political situation in Ukraine.