UK to help Kyiv hold first post-war elections
HolosUA
The UK’s Electoral Commission and Ukraine’s Central Election Commission signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening democratic processes in Ukraine, UK newspaper Express reported on Aug. 19.
Under the agreement, London will help prepare Ukraine’s first elections after the end of the Russo–Ukrainian war. Oleh Didenko, chairman of Ukraine’s Central Election Commission, called them “the most difficult in the country’s history.”
The move is “momentous” because the elections will face challenges such as a large number of Ukrainians living abroad and the threat of Russian disinformation, the report said. The memorandum provides for UK support in countering misinformation and organizing overseas voting for millions of Ukrainian refugees.
Express also said assistance from London could cover campaign finance regulation and ensure the security of ballots and candidates.
“We stand ready to support Ukraine in its preparations for the upcoming postwar elections,” said Vijay Rangarajan, chief executive of the Electoral Commission.
Ukraine’s election authority later confirmed the memorandum, noting it has already signed similar agreements with the electoral commissions of Sweden, Spain, Australia, Albania, Romania, and Moldova. Bilateral consultations are under way with other countries.
In March, Didenko said current law requires parliamentary elections within 60 days and presidential elections within 90 days of the end of martial law.
During a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Aug. 18, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed his commitment to holding elections in Ukraine after the war with Russia ends.
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