UK to help Ukraine hold first postwar elections - The Independent
Britain will help Ukraine hold its first elections after the war (photo: Getty Images)
The United Kingdom will help Ukraine hold its first elections after the end of the war with Russia. The electoral commissions of the two countries signed a cooperation agreement, reports The Independent.
It is noted that the agreement provides for the exchange of advanced experience in the field of cybersecurity and voter education, aimed at assisting the Ukrainian authorities in planning future post-war elections.
"There is a lot that we can learn from each other and deepening the ties between us will help us share expertise and learning in the coming years. We stand ready to support Ukraine as it prepares for future post-war elections," said Chief Executive of the UK Electoral Commission Vijay Rangarajan.
According to the British supervisory body, the Ukrainian delegation took part in several meetings during their stay in London, dedicated to disinformation, foreign interference, physical security and cybersecurity, as well as discussions on the regulation of political financing.
"I would call the signing of the memorandum between our institutions a landmark moment that will promote our co-operation and, through the exchange of experience and the adoption of best practices, will help to strengthen democratic values in Ukraine," said Chairman of the Ukrainian Electoral Commission Oleh Didenko.
He noted that while preparing for difficult post-war elections, establishing cooperation and familiarizing with such important processes as voting abroad and combating disinformation will allow Ukraine to effectively and efficiently prepare for the most difficult elections in its history.
Elections in Ukraine
Under Ukrainian law, elections cannot be held during martial law. According to polls, the majority of Ukrainians are against holding elections during the war.
Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine's parliament) Ruslan Stefanchuk noted that Ukraine is preparing for elections after the end of martial law. According to him, these will be unique elections.
Stefanchuk added that after the end of martial law, a special law is planned to be adopted that will make it possible to hold elections and return to the regular procedure defined by the Constitution.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, for his part, stated that Ukraine is ready to hold elections. However, in order to do so, conditions must be ensured, above all concerning security.
