Oleksandr Korniienko: International partners will promote democratic and inclusive elections in Ukraine
A Ukrainian parliamentary delegation led by First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Oleksandr Korniienko took part in the 23rd Autumn Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) held in Istanbul (Republic of Turkiye).
The First Deputy Speaker began his visit to Istanbul with a meeting with OSCE PA President Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, thanking him for his support of Ukraine. «The recent visit of the OSCE PA President and his speech in the session hall of the Verkhovna Rada are evidence of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, Oleksandr Korniienko emphasized.
The parties discussed, in particular, the possibility of holding democratic elections in our country after the end of martial law. Oleksandr Korniienko stressed that the elections would be held on the basis of democracy and transparency as soon as the security situation allowed. According to him, the OSCE PA will play an important role in ensuring the fairness and reliability of the electoral process. At the same time, he stressed that it is necessary to develop optimal mechanisms for organizing future elections now, in particular, taking into account the electoral rights of internally displaced persons and other citizens of Ukraine.
During the meeting, the Ukrainian side also reported on russian attacks on Ukrainian cities, in particular strikes on energy infrastructure facilities. The First Deputy Speaker provided data on damaged buildings, dozens of casualties, and power outages.
In addition, on the sidelines of the 23rd Autumn Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the First Deputy Speaker took part in a special event entitled «Shaping Ukraine's Post-Conflict Future: Assessing Electoral Capacity and Readiness».
Representatives of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine, state authorities, and civil society also participated in the event.
There was a broad discussion of Ukraine's readiness to hold elections in the post-war period, as well as the key challenges the state will face after the active phase of the war ends.
«The Constitution does not allow national elections to be held during martial law. In November 2023, Ukrainian parliamentary factions and groups reached a cross-party understanding within the Jean Monnet Dialogue that free and fair elections would only take place after the end of martial law, allowing at least six months for their preparation. This consensus remains our basis for cooperation with partners,» said Oleksandr Korniienko.
Particular attention was paid to restoring the institutional capacity of Ukraine's electoral system, ensuring the security of the electoral process, and the participation of internally displaced persons, military personnel, and Ukrainians living abroad. «Our goal is not only to hold post-war elections, but also to ensure that they are conducted safely and properly. The main principles are safe access to polling stations, physical protection, proper communication, and the integration of all internally displaced persons,» the First Deputy Speaker said. He also stressed the importance of participation in the elections by citizens with limited mobility, in particular persons with disabilities.
The presentation of international practices for organizing post-war elections was valuable for the Ukrainian side.
International partners expressed their readiness to support the democratic and inclusive nature of the electoral process in Ukraine by strengthening cooperation with our country in this area.