By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy affirmed that elections are contingent upon the cessation of active warfare and the subsequent lifting of martial law. He emphasized that current legislation prohibits elections under martial law, rendering them impossible until these conditions are met. Zelenskyy expressed his belief that elections should follow swiftly after the end of martial law. This aligns with the Ukrainian constitution, which dictates the legitimacy of the current government until a successor is elected.
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Holding elections in Ukraine during the current war is simply not feasible. Ukrainian law explicitly prohibits elections under martial law, and the current circumstances make a fair and free election practically impossible. Large swathes of the country are under occupation, millions of Ukrainians are displaced, and the ongoing conflict presents significant security risks. Attempting to hold an election under such conditions would be chaotic and likely unreliable.
The logistical challenges are immense. How could you ensure fair access to polling stations for a population scattered across the country and abroad? How do you guarantee the security of voters and election officials in active war zones or areas under threat? Even the most robust election systems would struggle to operate effectively under such duress.
Furthermore, the risk of Russian interference is a significant concern. Russia has a long history of meddling in foreign elections, and it’s reasonable to expect them to attempt to manipulate any Ukrainian election to achieve their political goals. Given the intense fighting and potential for sabotage, the election’s integrity could be severely compromised, undermining the democratic process.
The idea that Zelenskyy is acting as a dictator by postponing elections is a misrepresentation of the situation. He is operating within the confines of Ukrainian law and practical reality. The argument that his continued presidency is undemocratic ignores the exceptional circumstances of a nation at war. Many countries have postponed elections during wartime or national emergencies. It’s a pragmatic response to a dire situation, not an indication of authoritarianism.
The comparison to elections during wartime in other countries is often misleading. The United States, for example, fought its major wars primarily overseas, allowing for absentee voting and a functioning administrative system. This simply isn’t the case in Ukraine. The scale of displacement, the extent of occupation, and the ongoing nature of the conflict make the American experience irrelevant.
The timing of elections is intrinsically linked to the end of the “hot phase” of the war, a point President Zelenskyy has emphasized. Until active combat subsides, secure and inclusive elections are impossible. The focus must remain on ending the war and ensuring the safety and security of the Ukrainian people.
The current situation requires a temporary suspension of standard electoral procedures. Once the fighting ceases, and a sense of normalcy returns, the focus can shift back to holding free and fair elections that reflect the true will of the Ukrainian people. This is not a suppression of democracy, but rather a necessary adaptation to an extraordinary crisis.
Critics who accuse Zelenskyy of dictatorial behavior should consider the wider context. Accusations of authoritarianism often stem from a lack of understanding of the unprecedented challenges Ukraine faces. To hold elections now would be to risk undermining the very democratic processes it aims to protect. The focus should be on winning the war and restoring Ukraine’s sovereignty, not on forcing an election that would likely be flawed and potentially even harmful.
A fair and credible election requires a safe, secure, and stable environment. Ukraine needs to establish a secure and stable nation before any credible election can take place. The immediate priority for the country is achieving peace and rebuilding its infrastructure and social order. Only after that crucial task is accomplished can Ukraine hold an election that truly reflects the desires of its people.