Ukraine could hold elections during months-long ceasefire, Zelenskyy says
Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: president.gov.ua)
Around 9 million Ukrainians are currently abroad, which will be one of the key issues in organizing future elections. Another challenge is voting by residents of temporarily occupied territories, according to Volodymyr Zelenskyy's interview with CBS News.
What is preventing elections from being held?
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine could organize elections on the condition that a ceasefire lasts for several months. According to him, this period could be used not only to prepare for the vote but also to continue working toward ending the war.
At the same time, the president considers holding elections during active hostilities impossible. The organization of the vote is affected by both legal restrictions and issues related to voter safety, the operation of polling stations, and the electoral process itself.
The main problem – 9 million Ukrainians
Zelenskyy separately drew attention to Ukrainians who are currently outside the country. According to his estimate, around 9 million people are abroad.
The president stressed that before the full-scale invasion, around 500,000 Ukrainians abroad voted in elections. Therefore, organizing voting for the current number of citizens abroad will pose a separate challenge.
What to do about the occupied territories
Another issue concerns residents of temporarily occupied territories. It is necessary to determine whether they will be able to participate in the elections and how voting could be organized in areas where Russian troops are present.
Zelenskyy previously opposed holding elections during active warfare. He now considers such a process possible after a temporary ceasefire that would provide enough time to organize it.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously said that holding elections during the full-scale war poses serious risks for Ukraine. According to him, there are currently no safe conditions for organizing the vote.
