Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces mounting pressure to organize wartime elections, despite constitutional restrictions during martial law. Mykhailo Fedorov, a former popular defense minister recently ousted from the government, is advocating for the establishment of a legal and safe mechanism to facilitate democratic processes amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
While some argue that conducting elections is impractical during the current war scenario that began in February 2022, the political implications of the election demands pose a challenge that Zelenskyy cannot overlook. Tymofiy Mylovanov, a former Ukrainian government official, noted that Fedorov has raised the question of elections as a significant domestic issue but has not clarified the timing of any potential electoral process.
Before his dismissal, Fedorov, aged 35, was recognized as a reform-oriented and tech-savvy member of Zelenskyy’s administration. Following his removal in July, which sparked widespread protests in Ukraine, Fedorov declined alternative government roles and insisted on his reinstatement as defense minister. Despite public outcry, Zelenskyy appointed Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister.
Concerns arise about the feasibility of holding elections amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Dmytro Koziatynskyi, a combat medic and protester for Fedorov’s reinstatement, expressed doubts about logistical challenges in providing voting opportunities to military personnel on the front lines. Lesia Bidochko, a policy fellow, criticized Fedorov’s call for elections as populist without offering practical solutions for organizing a vote given the displacement of millions of Ukrainians.
The prospect of wartime elections has drawn skepticism from Ukrainian lawmakers and experts, citing the need for constitutional amendments and the risks of national disunity and external interference. Despite calls for elections from various quarters, Zelenskyy has yet to respond directly to Fedorov’s demands as the conflict with Russia intensifies.