Main points
- The CEC believes that holding presidential elections in 2026 is inappropriate due to unresolved security issues and protection from Russian interference.
- Discussions on the issue of elections will continue at least until the end of May, but the election campaign can begin no earlier than six months after the end of active hostilities and the adoption of the necessary laws.
Presidential elections in Ukraine / Collage of Channel 24
Given the pressure from the United States regarding the need to hold presidential elections, there has been talk in Ukraine about preparing for a possible vote. However, representatives of the Central Election Commission have concluded that holding elections this year is inappropriate.
This is stated in the material of The Times.
Why won't it be possible to hold elections in Ukraine?
The working group preparing the electoral process planned to submit the draft law to parliament at the end of last month, but key issues, including security guarantees and protection from Russian interference, still remain unresolved.
Such a decision by the CEC could lead to aggravation of relations with Washington. At the same time, discussions on this issue will continue at least until the end of May.
At the same time, the group agreed that the election campaign could begin no earlier than six months after the adoption of the necessary laws and the establishment of a ceasefire.
For his part, Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine Serhiy Dubovyk stated that there is a common position, including among people's deputies.
It is said that first the active phase of hostilities must end, a clear line of demarcation must be determined, and only after that at least six months are needed to prepare and hold elections.
The deadline has already been postponed. It is certain that it will run throughout April and May, since we have not yet worked out all the issues,
– Dubovyk noted.
Holding presidential elections during martial law is theoretically possible through constitutional amendments through a referendum. However, the working group rejected the idea of voting during active hostilities due to the high risks, including possible casualties if polling stations are shelled.
In addition, according to Serhiy Dubovyk, martial law restrictions on freedom of speech and movement could significantly complicate the election campaign. He also noted that opposition forces do not support the idea of electronic voting, fearing possible manipulation and lack of access for international observers.
Who could run for president?
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During an interview, Kirill Budanov was asked about the possibility of holding elections under the condition of a 60-day ceasefire and about his personal political plans. In response, he emphasized that the main task now is to establish effective negotiations, and talk about elections is inappropriate in the current conditions.
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For his part, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the decision to participate in the elections will depend on citizens and the timing of their holding, adding that after the war ends, he is not sure whether he will run.