The CEC wants to require candidates to declare ties with the Russian Federation: what will change.

According to ТСН: The Central Electoral Commission has proposed the introduction of mandatory declarations of candidates' ties with Russia. Sanctions are provided for concealing such information.

This was announced by the head of the CEC, Oleg Didenko, during a broadcast on the 'Rada' television channel, commenting on changes to electoral legislation.

What the proposal is about

According to Didenko, the idea that candidates for elective positions should officially report on is currently being discussed:

• Facts of cooperation with authorities or structures of the Russian Federation;

• Receiving funding from the aggressor state;

• Activities in occupied territories.

Will candidates be removed from elections automatically

Didenko emphasized that having ties with Russia will not lead to automatic refusal of the candidate's registration. The main focus is on transparency regarding the voters.

'Sanctions are possible only if a candidate conceals such information and this is confirmed by competent authorities,' the head of the CEC explained.

When will this take effect

Currently, these norms have the status of proposals. The final decision on the inclusion of such requirements in the Electoral Code will be made by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine.

The issue of cleansing the political environment from Russian influence is one of the key topics in discussions about holding the first post-war elections in Ukraine.

Recall that in early December, in an interview with Politico, US President Donald Trump spoke about the necessity to hold presidential elections in Ukraine. According to him, Kyiv 'is using the war as an excuse to avoid elections.'

Earlier, the CEC announced the impossibility of holding elections without changes to the legislation.

Such measures could become an important step towards increasing the transparency of the electoral process in Ukraine and ensuring voters' trust. Declaring ties with Russia could prevent manipulations and abuses, which is especially relevant in the context of the military conflict. Relevant changes require support from lawmakers, and their implementation could significantly impact the political landscape of the country.