Ukrainian Elections to Cost 6 Billion Hryvnias, with Staff Salaries Accounting for 90%.

Election Costs in Ukraine

According to TSN.ua: Organizing elections in Ukraine is projected to cost approximately 6 billion hryvnias. According to Oleksandr Korniienko, this represents a significant increase from the previous cost of 2.5 to 3 billion hryvnias. The overwhelming majority of the budget, around 90%, is allocated to pay the salaries of election commission members, highlighting the labor-intensive nature of the process.

Preparations for the Vote

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed readiness to hold elections on December 18, 2025. These will be the first nationwide elections since the full-scale invasion, marking a critical moment for the country's democratic institutions. Korniienko emphasized that the substantial portion of funds directed toward commission wages underscores their vital role in administering the vote.

It is also noted that the first post-war presidential election in Ukraine is not planned to be combined with a referendum, and certain proposed voting formats are not supported. This indicates the elections will be conducted as a standalone event, shaped by current logistical and security requirements.

The sharp rise in election expenses may reflect changes in the electoral process's organization, underscoring the heightened importance of ensuring transparency and fairness. The 2025 vote is poised to be particularly consequential, as it could reshape the nation's political landscape during a period of ongoing conflict and recovery.