Fact Check: Ukraine needs to have an election

Fact Check: "Ukraine needs to have an election"

What We Know

Elections in Ukraine have been significantly impacted by the ongoing martial law, which has been in effect since February 24, 2022, due to the Russian invasion. According to Ukrainian law, specifically Article 19 of the "On the Legal Regime of Martial Law," presidential, parliamentary, and local elections cannot be held while martial law is in place (source-1). The next presidential elections were initially scheduled for March or April 2024, but the continuation of martial law has led to their postponement (source-1).

As of October 2024, martial law had been extended multiple times, with the most recent extension set to last until August 2025 (source-1). This situation has raised concerns among both government and opposition politicians regarding the feasibility of conducting elections during wartime, particularly given the security risks and the displacement of millions of Ukrainians (source-1). Polls indicate that a significant majority of Ukrainians (81%) do not support holding elections until the war is over (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that "Ukraine needs to have an election" is complex and reflects a nuanced reality. While there is a legal and democratic framework that supports holding elections, the current context of martial law complicates this. The Ukrainian Constitution allows the incumbent president to remain in office until a new president is sworn in, which means that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy can legally continue his term despite the expiration of his five-year mandate in May 2024 (source-1).

Critically, the reliability of the sources discussing this issue is high, as they include legal texts, statements from government officials, and reputable news organizations. However, the political landscape is fraught with challenges. The ongoing war has led to significant displacement, with nearly 14 million Ukrainians either fleeing or being internally displaced, complicating the logistics of holding elections (source-1). Additionally, the security risks associated with potential voting disruptions due to Russian bombardments further hinder the feasibility of conducting elections (source-1).

Moreover, the overwhelming public sentiment against holding elections during wartime, as evidenced by various polls, suggests that many Ukrainians prioritize stability and security over the immediate need for electoral processes (source-1). This public opinion is echoed by political consensus in the Verkhovna Rada, where all parties have agreed to postpone elections until after martial law ends (source-1).

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "Ukraine needs to have an election" is Partially True. While there is a legitimate argument for the need for elections as part of a functioning democracy, the current circumstances—namely, the ongoing martial law, public sentiment, and security concerns—render immediate elections impractical. The legal framework allows for the incumbent to remain in power until conditions permit a fair election, which aligns with the majority opinion of the Ukrainian populace during this tumultuous period.

Sources

1. Next Ukrainian presidential election
2. Next Ukrainian parliamentary election - Wikipedia
3. Ukraine election rumours: Is Zelensky mulling a summer ...
4. Get the Latest Ukraine News Today - Kyiv Post
5. When Will Ukraine Hold Its Next Elections? - Foreign Policy
6. Perspectives, challenges of Ukraine's next election - Voice of America
7. Top News from Ukraine Today - KyivPost
8. Why Ukraine's Elections Can Wait