Zelensky's election dilemma: Ukraine, not the Kremlin, decides its democracy - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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Zelensky's election dilemma: Ukraine, not the Kremlin, decides its democracy - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
"Under Ukraine's constitution, elections cannot be held under martial law. That clause exists for a reason. No democracy can conduct a free and fair national vote when its territory is being actively invaded, millions of citizens are internally displaced, and enemy forces continue to occupy towns, destroy critical energy infrastructure, and deport civilians. But Kyiv has never ruled out elections."
"To treat these challenges as minor administrative details is to misunderstand what an election truly is. It is not a date on a calendar; it is an expression of sovereignty. Ukraine will not stage a Kremlin-shaped imitation of democracy simply so Moscow can declare the outcome illegitimate. What would it take to hold elections? In practical terms, several factors must be addressed before Ukraine can consider any wartime vote:"
Ukraine will hold national elections only when conditions across the country are secure, constitutional, and free from interference, with Russia preventing those conditions. The constitution bars elections under martial law because free and fair voting cannot occur during active invasion, mass displacement, occupation, energy infrastructure destruction, and deportations. A credible vote requires ballot access for front-line soldiers, millions of displaced people, 6.5 million Ukrainians abroad, and residents living under daily shelling, along with necessary logistical and financial support. Polling stations cannot safely operate where missile and drone strikes, air-raid alerts, and blackout conditions persist.
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