Elections possible only if there is ceasefire and everyone able to vote – UDAR
Elections cannot be tailored to the approval ratings of the government or the opposition – they must be determined by the security situation and the guaranteed right to free choice for all citizens, UDAR Vitali Klitschko party said.
The UDAR party of Vitali Klitschko insists that elections can only take place if a ceasefire is in effect and all citizens can participate fairly. They argue that elections must be determined by security conditions, not by the approval ratings of the government or opposition. For five years, the topic of elections has been revived amidst the ongoing war, often driven by opinion polls and political calculations.
However, UDAR maintains that elections should not weaken Ukraine, but instead strengthen it. They point out the difficulties in ensuring equal access to the electoral process for military personnel on the front lines, residents of occupied territories, displaced persons, and Ukrainians abroad. Holding elections during active hostilities could also put polling stations, public events, and candidates' offices at risk of enemy shelling.
The party emphasizes that the decision to hold elections should be based on the security of the state and the ability to guarantee every Ukrainian the right to vote and be elected. Only then will elections make Ukraine stronger, not weaker. Former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov echoes this sentiment, stating that democracy cannot be held hostage by Russia and that a lawful, secure, and realistic mechanism must be found to restore a fully-fledged democratic process even during a prolonged war.
He reiterates that while the war is difficult, it does not mean elections are impossible, and Ukraine has demonstrated its ability to overcome challenges in the past.
Written by urgent.news from Interfax-Ukraine's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
