Ukrainian lawmakers have voted to delay local elections and extend the powers of regional councils and officials until martial law is lifted. The elections, originally set for October, were postponed after parliament passed a resolution with 308 votes in favor, one abstention, and none against. MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak confirmed the decision, citing safety concerns for voters and the difficulty in ensuring democratic standards during wartime.
The resolution, which places the blame for the delay on Russia, states that local councils and mayors will remain in office until the conflict ends. The decision also notes that a new election schedule will be determined in accordance with Ukraine's constitution and laws once martial law is lifted. President Zelensky has postponed both presidential and parliamentary elections, citing the ongoing war, though his term officially expired in May 2024. Russia has criticized Zelensky for refusing to hold elections, arguing that he is clinging to power and that any peace deal signed under his leadership may lack legitimacy.
The resolution, which places the blame for the delay on Russia, states that local councils and mayors will remain in office until the conflict ends. The decision also notes that a new election schedule will be determined in accordance with Ukraine's constitution and laws once martial law is lifted. President Zelensky has postponed both presidential and parliamentary elections, citing the ongoing war, though his term officially expired in May 2024. Russia has criticized Zelensky for refusing to hold elections, arguing that he is clinging to power and that any peace deal signed under his leadership may lack legitimacy.
