Rushing into elections could undermine their legitimacy, play into Russia’s hands, MP says

That’s the view expressed by Mykyta Poturaiev, Chair of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy, in a comment to an Ukrinform correspondent.

“I agree with President Zelensky on the fundamental point… that elections absolutely do need to take place – under conditions that make them possible. But I do not agree that 60 or 90 days is enough. This timeframe emerged after certain contacts with the American side. Such compressed deadlines are entirely unrealistic. And discussions about elections are certainly not in Ukraine’s interest,” the MP said.

According to him, the key issue in elections is not even who wins, but whether citizens accept the results – in other words, whether the elections are legitimate.

“From society’s point of view, the crucial question is whether everyone who wanted to cast a vote for a given politician or political party would actually be able to do so,” Poturaiev stressed.

He added that another major issue is how to ensure that anyone who wants to enter politics can participate.

“First of all, the Central Election Commission would need to do enormous work to compile, essentially, a new national voter register, because the country has millions of displaced people. We have an active army of a million soldiers who, first, must themselves be able to vote, and second, many of those now fighting might want to enter politics – but their current status prevents them from running for office,” Poturaiev explained.

He noted that legislative changes would also be needed to allow certain citizens who have spent a long time abroad to stand for office.

“Those who were forced to leave in 2022 include many active citizens – people with reputations, abilities, and potential. They are also barred from being elected. In addition, only a minority of Ukrainians abroad have registered with consulates. Yet this is necessary to compile a proper voter register,” the MP said.

According to him, the issue of the election budget stands separately as well.

All these problems, in Poturaiev’s view, could undermine the legitimacy of elections – which is exactly what Russia is hoping for.

“They are waiting for elections in Ukraine after which a large share of Ukrainians would reject the results, plunging the country into a severe and prolonged political crisis. And that would open major opportunities for them to exploit this crisis,” the politician said.

As reported, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that if Ukraine receives organizational support from partners, he is prepared to back holding elections during martial law. He has asked MPs to draft the necessary legislative amendments.