Representatives of Ukraine's election commission believe that holding elections in 2026 is unlikely, which could increase tensions with the United States.
The British magazine of The Times has reported this.
According to the publication, members of the special working group on elections planned to submit the relevant bill to parliament at the end of last month. However, the process was postponed due to a number of unresolved issues, including ensuring the security of voting in a time of war and preventing russian interference.
The discussion is expected to last at least until the end of May. At the same time, the group members agreed that the election campaign can begin no earlier than six months after the cessation of hostilities, the adoption of the necessary legislative changes and the establishment of a ceasefire. Under these conditions, holding presidential elections this year is virtually impossible.
Serhii Dubovyk, Deputy Head of the Central Election Commission, emphasized that the prerequisite for organizing elections is the end of the active phase of the war and the definition of a clear demarcation line. After that, he said, it will take at least six months to prepare.
At the same time, the possibility of holding elections even during martial law by amending the Constitution through a referendum is being considered. However, the working group rejects the option of voting during active hostilities due to high security risks, including possible attacks on polling stations.
In addition, restrictions on freedom of speech and movement may make it difficult to conduct a full-fledged election campaign.
Dubovyk also noted that opposition forces are skeptical about the idea of electronic voting, fearing possible fraud and lack of proper international control.
The working group was established in December amid pressure from the United States. It includes representatives of election authorities, parliament and civil society.
According to the participants, Ukraine faces an unprecedented challenge - the need to organize voting for millions of citizens abroad, residents of the temporarily occupied territories and the military at the front, while adhering to international standards.
According to Dubovyk, some American representatives compared the situation with the elections in the United States during the Civil War of 1864, but the Ukrainian side considers such parallels incorrect due to modern risks - air strikes, cyber attacks and information operations.
Instead, the recommendations of the British side are called more practical, advising to take into account the experience of Poland in organizing voting abroad, in particular through pre-registration and the use of public spaces for elections.
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