Zelensky rejects holding elections during the war
Kyiv (Agencies): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that holding elections in the country amid the ongoing war with Russia would be extremely dangerous, following a call by his former defense minister to organize polls. Zelenskyy said in remarks published yesterday, “I believe that in a war like this, elections themselves would pose a tremendous risk. Holding elections now would be like a tsunami striking the country and splitting Ukrainian society.”
Ukraine has suspended elections under martial law, a measure that continues to enjoy broad public support as the country focuses on repelling Russian forces. Zelenskyy added, “If we want to destroy the country, we could then move toward holding elections during this time of war.”
On Saturday, Zelenskyy held a briefing with several journalists, marking his first media encounter in months, amid several political crises. Ukraine has recently experienced a wave of unrest, with thousands taking to the streets after Zelenskyy dismissed former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov in July. A few days ago, Fedorov unexpectedly called for finding a way to organize elections in the country, without presenting a roadmap, prompting even some of his supporters to distance themselves from him.
Experts pointed to a number of obstacles that could prevent elections from being held in Ukraine, including how soldiers, millions of Ukrainian refugees, and residents of occupied territories would vote, as well as disinformation campaigns emanating from Russia. According to a survey conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, only 15% of Ukrainians believe elections should be held before the fighting ends.
During the briefing, Zelenskyy leveled numerous criticisms at his opponents, saying of Fedorov, “I believe he is either walking on his own or being pushed toward the wrong path.” Zelenskyy managed to present himself as a bulwark against division in Ukraine, following a previous political crisis that had weakened his position.
