**Ukrainian Civil Society Organizations Say Elections Impossible During War**
More than 130 Ukrainian civil society organizations have said that it is impossible for Ukraine to hold presidential and parliamentary elections while martial law is in effect. The organizations made this statement on February 20.
They argued that the legitimacy of the Ukrainian government belongs exclusively to the Ukrainian people. They said that elections must be preceded by a stable ceasefire, security guarantees, and proper preparations for the election process. This includes restoring relevant infrastructure and ensuring voter participation during wartime.
**Elections Postponed Due to War**
Ukraine was set to hold presidential elections in the spring of 2024, but the vote has been postponed due to martial law imposed after the outbreak of full-scale war in 2022. The constitution does not allow elections while martial law is in effect.
**Trump’s Statement Echoes Russian Narratives**
US President Donald Trump has denounced Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator” and criticized the country for not holding elections under daily Russian strikes and with one-fifth of its territory occupied. Trump’s statement echoes Russian narratives attacking Zelensky’s presidential legitimacy.
**Ukrainian Consensus Supports Postponing Elections**
The Ukrainian consensus supports postponing elections until six months after the end of martial law, which is supported by the authorities, opposition, and society. A February survey showed that 69% of Ukrainians believe that Zelensky should remain in office until the next elections can be held after the end of martial law.
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