5 Reasons Why Ukraine's Elections May Be Postponed

Elections are a key part of a country’s democratic development. However, during war or states of emergency, governments may postpone them to maintain stability and security. In Ukraine, the question of holding elections remains complex. On one hand, the Constitution mandates regular government renewal; on the other, the ongoing full-scale war with Russia poses significant challenges, and martial law specifically restricts it. Here are five key reasons why elections in Ukraine may be delayed. 

#1. Security Risks for Voters and Election Organization

The primary obstacle to holding elections is the security threats posed by the ongoing war. Active combat continues in many parts of the country, and missile strikes can occur anywhere. Conducting elections under such conditions puts both voters and election officials at serious risk.

Moreover, Russia frequently employs terrorist tactics against civilian targets, making mass gatherings especially vulnerable. This significantly endangers the electoral process, particularly in large cities. Another idea may be related to 

2. Martial Law and Constitutional Restrictions

Under Ukraine’s Constitution, elections cannot be held while martial law is in effect. This applies to both parliamentary and presidential races. According to the law, the electoral process can only resume once martial law is lifted and the situation in the country stabilizes.

While discussions continue on possible legislative amendments to allow elections under such conditions, they raise significant legal and practical challenges. For instance, how can candidates have equal access to campaigning when parts of the country remain war zones? How can a fair and transparent vote count be ensured? These critical questions remain unanswered.

3. Lack of Access to Elections for a Significant Part of Citizens

The Russian full-blown war has forced millions of Ukrainians to flee their homes. According to official figures, the number of internally displaced persons has reached millions, and several million more have gone abroad. Ensuring their election participation is challenging, as registration, voting, and vote-counting procedures must be in place.

The organization of the electoral process in the temporarily occupied territories also remains an unresolved issue. Russia is repressing Ukrainian citizens in these regions, making it impossible for them to participate in the democratic expression of their will.

4. Using Elections for Political Manipulation

Elections during a time of war can become a tool of domestic destabilization, especially if Russia decides to influence the outcome through information attacks, cyber interference, or the promotion of pro-Russian candidates. During the election process, certain political forces naturally try to discredit the state leadership by using the themes of corruption, economic difficulties, and military failures that have already intensified. 

In addition, holding elections in such circumstances could split Ukrainian society, as discussions about the government's responsibility, military decisions, and the country’s reconstruction could escalate into internal conflicts, weakening Ukraine's ability to resist the aggressor. 

5. Financial Costs of Elections Instead of Defense and Reconstruction is an obvious but deadly choice for Ukraine

Holding national elections is a huge financial expenditure that could have been used to support the army, support IDPs, and restore infrastructure in times of war. Ukraine’s budget is already in deficit, and international aid covers a significant portion of the costs.

In a situation where every hryvnia is critical to the country's defense capabilities, elections can be seen as a waste of resources. Therefore, allocating funds to continue resistance to aggression and economic stabilization seems more logical.

What does the recent polling in Ukraine suggest about elections? 

According to a Gradus Research survey conducted on March 1, 2025, 58% of Ukrainians oppose holding elections during wartime, an increase from 52% a week earlier. According to the same Gradus study, his approval rating has increased to 49% for the president’s support level. There has also been a significant increase in the level of assessment of whether the country is moving in the right direction.

In addition, 46% of Ukrainians believe that Ukraine will be able to continue its fight against the aggressor even if American assistance is reduced or stopped. In comparison, 36% believe that the situation will become critical without this support. This indicates that a significant part of the population is ready to continue the resistance even in a negative scenario.

Thus, elections are important to democracy but must be held in a secure, accessible, and politically stable environment. In the current realities, Ukraine faces challenges that make the electoral process impossible or even dangerous.

The main reasons for postponing the elections are security threats, constitutional restrictions, the inability to engage all citizens in voting, the risk of political manipulation, and financial costs. Ukraine should focus on just peace and strengthening its statehood, and the issue of elections should be considered after the country's stability and reconstruction are achieved.

Ihor Petrenko, Expert at Kyiv-based United Ukraine Think Tank