Ukraine Holds Off on Elections Amid Ongoing War: What's Behind the Delay?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his readiness to hold national elections within the next three months, but only if a ceasefire can be secured and voting can be conducted safely. The country's presidential term expired in May 2024, but martial law, which was declared after Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, has made it impossible to hold elections. According to Article 83 of the Ukrainian constitution, the parliament's term is extended until martial law is lifted, making it constitutionally illegal to hold elections during this time. Furthermore, Article 157 states that the constitution cannot be amended during martial law or a state of emergency. The ongoing war poses significant challenges to holding elections, including the risk of Russian attacks and the difficulty of soldiers casting their votes while on the front line. Zelensky has asked lawmakers to explore amending the legislative foundations and law on elections during martial law, and he has sought help from international partners, including the US and European countries, to ensure security for voting. While Russia held elections in 2024, securing a landslide victory for Vladimir Putin, Ukraine's situation is vastly different. The country's constitution and the ongoing war make it difficult to hold elections, and Zelensky's decision to delay them is a pragmatic response to the challenges facing Ukraine. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen when Ukraine will be able to hold national elections safely and constitutionally.