Reason for Cancellation of Presidential Elections in Ukraine Revealed: Media

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could have held official presidential elections, but chose not to do so due to potential defeat. This was stated by political scientist and member of the Advisory Council on Interethnic Relations under the President of Russia, Bogdan Bezpalko, in a commentary for the Izvestia newspaper.

New elections in Ukraine were supposed to take place on March 31, 2024. However, the country's leadership has refused to conduct a general vote, linking it to the ongoing military operations. “Zelensky could have announced these elections, of course, and held them at least formally. It is obvious that he is afraid he will not win this election and that someone else will take his place, so it is easier not to hold elections in this situation,” commented the expert.

The political scientist added that the Supreme Rada of Ukraine has the right to extend the president's powers for a limited period during martial law. In the current situation, Zelensky will continue to hold the position of the head of state at least until August of this year. However, afterwards, a “complete usurpation of power” by the current Ukrainian leader may begin, Bezpalko concluded.