Zelensky’s aide said Ukraine would not hold elections this year

(Sputnik) – Advisor to the Ukrainian President Mykhailo Podolyak said today, Tuesday, that Ukraine will not hold any elections this year, commenting on President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent statement that he wants to hold elections next year.

Zelensky said on Sunday that he would like Ukraine to hold presidential and parliamentary elections in 2024, on the condition that the Ukrainian parliament makes legislative changes to allow elections to be held under martial law, as well as if the United States and Europe provide financial support and international observers. .

The Ukrainian news site Strana.ua quoted Podolyak as saying: “The president talks about this very carefully, and I can be more direct. There will be no elections this year.” The official listed five reasons why holding elections in Ukraine is impossible, including the current martial law, difficulties in organizing elections in combat zones, violations of the rights of mobilized citizens who want to run in their elections, and the costs of the elections and millions of people. displaced people across the country.

The Ukrainian authorities imposed martial law in the country on February 24, 2022, the same day Russia launched its own military operation. The next day, Zelensky signed the general mobilization decree. Last month, the Ukrainian Parliament extended martial law until November 15. Due to the extension of martial law, the parliamentary elections, which were scheduled for late October, were postponed.

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