KYIV: Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky is weighing the pros and cons of a spring 2024 presidential vote, his foreign minister said on Friday, though there are major concerns over how to organise a free and fair vote during war with Russia.

After Russia invaded in February 2022, Ukraine declared martial law which prohibits elections.

But there have been some calls, including from US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, for votes to proceed even if the war does not end, as evidence of democratic health. “We are not closing this page. The president of Ukraine is considering and weighing the different pros and cons,” said Dmytro Kuleba, adding that elections would bring unprecedented challenges.

Ukraine was scheduled to hold a parliamentary election in October and a presidential vote in March 2024.

Kuleba made his comment during an online appearance at the World Policy Conference in the United Arab Emirates when asked whether Ukraine would hold a presidential election in spring. He pointed to problems of security risks and how to ensure votes for hundreds of thousands of soldiers, millions of Ukrainians abroad and those living under Russian occupation.

Earlier, Zelensky has said elections can take place if needed, but that parliament would have to change the law and foreign assistance would be needed to help foot the bill and find somewhere for millions to vote abroad.

Published in Dawn, November 4th, 2023