Elections during martial law are impossible – Petro Poroshenko
Petro Poroshenko, in an interview with journalist Vitaly Portnikov, stated that elections during martial law are impossible. He also noted that there can be no elections under Putin’s scenario in Ukraine.
This was reported by the press service of “European Solidarity” .
“No. This is out of the question. I have the right to say this. Because three election campaigns during the war, exemplary, with a guarantee of free expression of citizens’ will, were conducted by Poroshenko. Elections during martial law without suspending the law on martial law are impossible, illegitimate, and will not be recognized by anyone. No matter what instructions someone gives to the parliament. But we can find a position on a non-permanent, but at least temporary ceasefire. For example, for half a year,” said the fifth President.
He noted that he believes that if the partners clearly formulate the sanctions package, clearly formulate the confiscation of frozen assets, and clearly formulate coordination with India, China, and Russia’s main trading partners, that this is the only possible way. He also noted that the elections could cause destabilization and chaos in Ukraine only if the authorities decide to resort to electoral fraud.
“Chaos is possible only in one case. When the current government pretends that nothing is happening. When they think that with an international scandal they can divert society’s attention from Mindichgate. That it is enough to use the technologies of telegram channels, electronic voting, election fraud, voting by mail, and preventing opponents. So if the government tries to stay in power for the next term in this way, then this is a direct step towards chaos,” Poroshenko said.
He recalled that the Orange Revolution began due to election fraud, and the Revolution of Dignity due to the authorities’ rejection of the Association Agreement with the EU.
“They deprived us of the right to future membership in the European Union. Why? Because it hindered Yanukovych in the elections. Don’t mess with it. Because it will be chaos. And Putin will take advantage of this chaos. It will be very irresponsible. Ukrainians are very responsible. I believe in them,” said Petro Poroshenko.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky instructed MPs to develop a bill on the possibility of holding elections during martial law . The initiative does not involve preparations for the elections, but was a reaction to statements by United States President Donald Trump.
By the way, there are currently no bills or drafts in Ukraine that would regulate the holding of elections in wartime. However, the Verkhovna Rada is ready to prepare all necessary documents to ensure a democratic process even during hostilities.
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