Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is facing renewed pressure to conduct elections during wartime, despite the constitutional prohibition on holding them under martial law. The call for elections comes from Mykhailo Fedorov, a former defense minister who was recently ousted from his government position.
Fedorov emphasized the need for Ukraine to establish a legal and realistic mechanism to restore the democratic process, even amid the ongoing conflict with Russia that began in February 2022. While some argue that holding elections under current circumstances is impractical, the political implications of the demand for change cannot be overlooked by Zelenskyy.
Former Ukrainian government minister Tymofiy Mylovanov noted that Fedorov has brought the possibility of elections to the forefront of domestic politics but has not significantly increased the likelihood of their immediate occurrence. Mylovanov suggested that continued public pressure might compel Zelenskyy to outline a plan for holding elections in the future, either post-war or under wartime conditions.
Prior to his dismissal, Fedorov, a 35-year-old reformer and technology-savvy official within Zelenskyy’s administration, held key positions such as Minister of Digital Transformation. His removal in July sparked protests across Ukraine, with calls for his reinstatement.
Despite the push for elections, some experts question the feasibility of conducting them given the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict with Russia. Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a veteran combat medic, highlighted the logistical difficulties of enabling thousands of frontline service personnel to participate in voting.
Lesia Bidochko, a policy fellow at the European Policy Institute, criticized Fedorov’s call for elections, labeling it as a populist move lacking a practical implementation strategy. She pointed out the complexities of organizing elections with millions of Ukrainians displaced or serving in the military.
Zelenskyy’s response to Fedorov’s election proposal remains pending. However, the president’s communications adviser, Dmytro Lytvyn, highlighted the relentless attacks Ukraine faces from Russia as a significant factor in the decision-making process.
Amidst growing speculation, it remains unclear whether Zelenskyy will entertain the idea of holding wartime elections. The potential risks, including threats to national unity and external interference, have raised concerns among experts, cautioning against hasty decisions that could be exploited by Moscow.