Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the Constitution and laws of Ukraine do not allow elections to be held in wartime and stressed that the country must achieve a just peace before fair elections are held, Ukrinform reported, quoted by BTA.
The Head of State of Ukraine commented on this issue before the Verkhovna Rada (Parliament of Ukraine) within the framework of the presentation of the new Plan for Internal Resilience of Ukraine.
„We all know that the Constitution and laws of Ukraine do not allow holding elections in wartime, and no one in the world wanted and does not want such a thing from Ukraine. However, there are some people in Ukraine who are perhaps so “thirsty” for elections, that they have a stronger desire to fight within our country than for our country”, Zelensky said. He emphasized that this is “disastrous“ for the country. “Ukraine first needs a just peace and then Ukrainians will produce fair elections. We must put common interests above any personal desires," Zelensky stressed.
Earlier, the president indicated that it is extremely important to supplement the Ukraine Victory Plan with a comprehensive strategy to ensure internal stability. This includes strengthening the front lines, strengthening the defense industry, introducing safeguards for the economy and the financial system, improving the information space, ensuring justice, improving local governance and other critical sectors.
The head of the presidential office Andriy Yermak said that the elections for the head of state will take place as soon as the war ends. Meanwhile, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Ruslan Stefanchuk confirmed that the next presidential election will take place within 60 days of the lifting of martial law.
According to the Constitution of Ukraine, presidential elections were scheduled for March 31, 2024, but current legislation prohibits holding elections during martial law.