Ukraine holds elections in 2024? Zelensky: Western partners make money first!
According to Reuters, on the 27th local time, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that Ukraine will hold elections in 2024 if partners share costs, obtain parliamentary approval, and all voters can go to vote.
According to reports, on the same day, Zelensky stated in a television interview that he had discussions with US Senator Lindsay Graham regarding the Ukrainian presidential election, including funding issues and the necessity of amending laws.
Zelensky stated that holding elections in Ukraine during peacetime would cost 5 billion hryvnas. "I don't know how much money is needed during wartime, so I told him that if the United States and Europe can provide financial support, we will hold elections... I won't use the money for purchasing weapons to hold elections. This is a legal requirement," he said
Zelensky stated that Ukraine needs assistance, especially from the European Union, to enable millions of Ukrainians overseas to vote.
Zelensky also emphasized that election observers must enter the trenches. "I told him: you and I should send observers to the front line so that we can hold legitimate elections in front of the world."
According to reports, Ukraine is currently unable to hold elections in a wartime state. Zelensky signed a decree on August 17th, extending the wartime status and mobilization order until November 15th. The Ukrainian parliamentary elections were originally scheduled to be held in October 2023, while the presidential elections should be held in March 2024.
On August 23rd, Graham visited Kiev with Democratic Party senators Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren. Graham stated in Kiev that Ukraine needs to hold wartime elections to showcase its uniqueness.
Graham said to Zelensky, "You must do two things at the same time. Ukraine must hold elections in 2024. I hope to see this country hold a free and fair election, even if it is under attack."