Elections during war: The Central Electoral Commission issued a statement regarding Zelensky's mandate

The Constitution states that the President of Ukraine exercises his powers until the newly elected head of state takes office.

The Central Election Commission of Ukraine has not received any information on possible preparations for the presidential elections in March 2024. According to the Constitution, elections are not held during martial law.

This was announced by the deputy chairman of the Central Committee, Serhiy Dubovyk, reports Radio Svoboda.

Dubovik recalled that a day earlier, President Volodymyr Zelensky proposed to the parliament to extend martial law again for 90 days - i.e. until at least February 2024. The Vice-Chairman of the Central Committee noted that, by applicable law, elections are not held during martial law.

The CEC did not receive any notifications about preparations for the elections

“Consequently, the CEC not only did not receive any messages or other things, but also could not receive them. We are an independent electoral body, governed solely by law. The electors, in particular the President of Ukraine, are appointed by resolution of the Verkhovna Rada. Neither you nor I have even seen the draft of such a resolution or any other official documents" Dubovyk said.

He also noted that according to the schedule, the electoral process should start at the end of December 2023.

Will Zelensky's presidential mandate be extended?

The deputy head of the Central Electoral Commission answered whether in 2024 the powers of the president and later the Verkhovna Rada will be automatically extended.

"No matter how much speculation there is on this subject, the Constitution clearly states that the President of Ukraine exercises his powers until the newly elected President of Ukraine takes office. Everything else is political speculation about the expiry of power, the transfer of certain powers to the government", Dubovyk emphasized.

“The Martial Law Act clearly states that elections shall not be held during martial law. There is nothing more for now, no changes in legislation. This means that there is no reason, at least legally, to talk about anything at the moment"

he added.

Therefore, the president and parliament must continue their work until the next elections.