Support for the Continuity of Local Governance in Ukraine
The Verkhovna Rada has adopted a resolution that guarantees the continuity of local self-government in Ukraine during the military aggression from the Russian Federation. Legislative initiative №14031 received support from 308 votes.
According to the document, organizing and conducting local elections in compliance with national legislation and European democratic election standards is impossible under the conditions of military aggression from Russia against Ukraine and during the state of war.
It is noted that the responsibility for the inability to timely organize the preparation and conduct of local elections in Ukraine in accordance with democratic electoral standards lies with the aggressor state – the Russian Federation.
Moreover, it is emphasized that the sustainable functioning of local self-government bodies and their exercise of powers defined by the Constitution and laws of Ukraine are essential for upholding the principle of continuity of power, ensuring law and order, national security, and the viability of territorial communities.
The resolution confirms that rural, town, city, district councils, as well as village, town, and city heads, elected according to the law (except for those whose powers have been prematurely terminated), will continue to exercise their powers until a new composition of the relevant council/head is elected in the next local elections.
After the cessation of armed aggression by Russia and the lifting or cancellation of the state of war, a decision on holding local elections will be made in accordance with the Constitution of Ukraine, the Electoral Code of Ukraine, and the laws of Ukraine.
Members of parliament are calling on the international community to maintain unity in efforts to ensure the continuity of local self-government bodies in Ukraine amid military aggression from Russia.
As a reminder, on August 18, President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House stated that he is ready to hold elections after the war is over.
