Arguments for and Against Holding Elections in Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

US President Donald Trump recently suggested that Ukraine should hold elections, stating that Kyiv has been using the war as a pretext to postpone the vote. He emphasized the importance of conducting democratic processes, even amidst martial law. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy quickly expressed his willingness to arrange for presidential elections within 90 days, provided that Western partners, especially the United States, assist in ensuring security for the process. Zelenskyy's comments came in response to Trump's urging for elections despite the ongoing conflict, highlighting a complex political landscape in Ukraine as the nation has been under martial law since Russia's full-scale invasion nearly four years ago. Legally, Ukraine cannot hold elections during martial law, which has put significant pressure on Zelenskyy to seek legislative changes to facilitate a vote. He has called upon Ukraine's lawmakers to draft proposals that would amend this legal hurdle. In asking for support from Western allies, Zelenskyy stated, "I am asking now and stating this openly for the US to help me. Together with our European partners, we can ensure the security needed to hold elections." Polling data suggests that international opinion may be weighing on Ukrainians' trust in their leader amid the ongoing war. After a strong victory in both presidential and parliamentary elections in 2019, where approximately 80% of the population trusted Zelenskyy, public sentiment fluctuated drastically given the circumstances of war. Recent polls indicate about 60% of Ukrainians still support him. A separate poll by Info Sapiens reveals that 20.3% of respondents would vote for Zelenskyy in another election, although this is a notable decrease from his 2019 result. The potential competition for Zelenskyy's position could come from General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who served as Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine's Armed Forces and has garnered public support due to his strategic leadership during the war. Zaluzhnyi, however, has publicly declared he does not intend to run for political office, expressing his belief that elections should not take place during wartime. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine's military intelligence, is another name speculated as a potential candidate, though he also has not shown any overt political ambitions. Public opinion regarding the timing of elections is mixed; while some citizens desire to vote as soon as possible, a significant majority (63%) believe elections should only be conducted after the cessation of hostilities. Furthermore, many Ukrainians exhibit distrust for holding elections under the current conditions of war, emphasizing the importance of a secure environment before proceeding with any major electoral processes. Zelenskyy has indicated that he intends not to seek re-election once the conflict concludes, prioritizing national aid over political ambition. As Ukraine grapples with the dual challenges of war and political continuity, the possibility of organizing elections remains fraught with legal and moral complexities. The debate over whether to hold elections during ongoing martial law exemplifies the broader struggle for democracy amid warfare and instability. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2