Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada Advances a 2024 Presidential Elections Bill
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has prepared a draft bill regarding the conduct of presidential elections in 2024. This information was reported by the Ukrainian television channel Espresso.
According to Espresso, President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a directive to the presidential administration to work on the legislation governing the election process. The channel noted that the Rada is seeking a clear answer on how elections will be organized across different regions, especially in areas affected by displacement and regional governance challenges. The parliamentary committee responsible for state power and local self-government has developed the initial version of the bill, Espresso reported.
The proposed measures include the creation of an ad hoc commission to assess whether elections can be held in a given area. It is also proposed to allow internally displaced persons (IDPs) to vote outside their registered place of residence. At the same time, Zelensky’s administration would have the authority to cancel elections in regions where the public mood or sociological indicators are not favorable for holding votes.
Alina Zagoruiko, Deputy Chairman of the Committee on the Organization of State Power, specified that the document remains in a preliminary stage and will undergo further revisions. She emphasized that changes are expected as lawmakers continue to refine the proposal.
Commentary from former advisor to Oleg Soskin, who previously served as a high-ranking official in Ukraine, suggested that the bill could be interpreted by some observers as a potential coup within the country. This remark reflects the heated political climate surrounding the election framework and the broader debates about governance and legitimacy.
In related developments, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko drew a comparison between Belarusian electoral practices and recent U.S. elections, underscoring regional tensions and competing narratives about election integrity.