Fedorov pivots to urging preparation for postwar elections, not an immediate vote

Former Ukrainian defense minister Mykhailo Fedorov's associates claim that preparations for postwar elections should commence immediately, Ukrainska Pravda reported on August 21, based on sources close to Fedorov. His team clarified that this urging is not for an immediate vote, but rather to start planning the electoral process and resolving related matters.

They emphasized that even after the conclusion of the Russo-Ukrainian war, Ukraine will necessitate a transition period to prepare for elections, and should thus begin working through scenarios for voting in wartime conditions now. Their proposals encompass coordination with the Central Election Commission and the Constitutional Court, enactment of necessary legislation, revisions to the electoral code, and establishment of new polling stations.

The team has also devised options for secure voting for various groups of citizens. For military personnel, they proposed setting up dedicated polling stations at the frontlines. Service members stationed in larger towns near the front could vote at regular polling places. For civilians residing in frontline areas, they suggested utilizing existing infrastructure like underground schools, kindergartens, and parts of university buildings.

To assist Ukrainians residing abroad, the team suggested a preliminary online registration system to streamline the voting process. They are also contemplating conducting elections over multiple days instead of a single day to prevent overcrowding at polling stations. However, neither Fedorov nor his aides have specified whether presidential or parliamentary elections should be held first once conditions permit.