Ukraine's Postwar Elections to Exclude Remote Voting Methods.

Remote Voting Excluded from Ukraine's Postwar Election Plans

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine's postwar elections will not offer remote voting options like electronic or postal ballots, a decision that could impact the perceived legitimacy of the results. This conclusion was reached during a working group meeting on February 20, 2023, which was tasked with drafting legislative proposals for the postwar electoral process. The exclusion of these alternative methods is a significant policy choice as the country plans for its first national vote following the full-scale invasion.

Voting Regulations and Restrictions

Polling stations will be prohibited on the territory of Russia, Belarus, and within the temporarily occupied areas of Ukraine. Individuals who have fled occupied territories may cast a ballot if they possess a Ukrainian biometric passport. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are permitted to update their electoral address or voting location, provided they do so no later than 30 days before election day.

• Candidates in the postwar elections will be required to declare any existing ties to the Russian Federation.
• Military personnel will be allowed to vote upon presentation of their military service identification document.
• A proposal to lower the electoral threshold for political parties to 3% is under discussion, though a final agreement has not yet been reached.

The full draft version of the election law is expected to be published in the coming weeks.

The lack of remote voting options may significantly restrict electoral participation for certain groups, including internally displaced persons and Ukrainian citizens residing abroad. This could raise questions about the election's legitimacy, as ensuring broad citizen engagement in democratic processes is particularly crucial during a postwar recovery period. The debate over the party threshold is especially relevant, as it could reshape the political landscape by potentially allowing newer parties to enter parliament.