Zelenskyy rules out wartime elections, warns they could 'split Ukraine'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected the possibility of holding national elections while the country remains under martial law, saying that such a move would risk dividing the nation during its ongoing war with Russia. His remarks, made public on Sunday, came in response to a call from his recently dismissed Defence Minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, who had suggested exploring ways to organise a vote.
Speaking at a briefing with journalists on Saturday, Mr. Zelenskyy said: "I believe that in a war like this, elections as such are a huge risk. Elections right now are a tsunami for the country that will split Ukraine." He added: "If we want to destroy the country, then we can move in the direction of elections during these times of war."
Ukraine has suspended all elections under martial law, a measure that remains widely supported by the population as the country focuses on repelling the Russian invasion. The decision to postpone voting has been seen as a practical necessity, given the ongoing hostilities and the displacement of millions of citizens.
The president's comments come at a time of political turbulence in Kyiv. On Saturday, he held his first briefing in several months amidst a crisis that saw thousands of protesters take to the streets following the dismissal of Defence Minister Fedorov. The sacking triggered a public backlash, with many initially siding with the former minister and calling for the removal of the military's top commander, General Oleksandr Syrsky.
Mr. Fedorov, who had pushed for reforms but clashed with the military leadership, made a surprise public appeal this week to find a way to hold elections, though he did not provide a concrete plan. His call was met with caution, and even some of his supporters distanced themselves from the idea.
Experts have pointed to numerous practical obstacles that would make wartime elections extremely difficult, if not impossible. These include ensuring that soldiers on the front lines can vote, enabling participation of millions of Ukrainian refugees abroad, and managing voting in territories occupied by Russian forces. Additionally, there are concerns about potential disinformation campaigns from Russia that could interfere with the electoral process.
A recent poll by the Kyiv Institute of Sociology found that only 15% of Ukrainians believe elections should be held before the end of hostilities. This suggests that the public largely agrees with the president's stance, prioritising national unity and defence over electoral processes during the war.
During his briefing, Mr. Zelenskyy made pointed remarks about his former defence minister. "I believe he is going himself — or is being pushed — toward wrong things," he said. He also warned against disrespectful attitudes toward the military, asking: "Since when has marketing started to outweigh the people who are giving their lives?"
The president acknowledged the right of citizens to protest but stressed the need for solidarity. "I believe that society and soldiers must not be divided," he said. "We must acknowledge that there is this risk — that there may be movement in that direction, toward dangerous developments."
Political analysts suggest that Mr. Zelenskyy has sought to use the crisis to reinforce his position as a unifying figure. By rejecting elections under martial law and appealing to national cohesion, he aims to weather the political storm while maintaining public support for the war effort.
The debate over wartime elections in Ukraine reflects the broader challenges faced by a democratic nation under existential threat. While elections are a cornerstone of democracy, the practical and security considerations during active conflict make them a highly contentious issue. As the war grinds on, the question of when and how Ukraine will return to the ballot box remains unresolved.
