Petro Poroshenko, during a special broadcast on the “Pryamyi” and “5 Kanal” television channels, explained why elections during martial law are impossible.
Source: PRYAMYI
“No elections during the period of martial law. Martial law is intended to restrict constitutional rights and freedoms of citizens. And during martial law, it is impossible to ensure the free expression of the will of citizens. And therefore, elections will not meet European Union standards as we move forward,” Poroshenko explained.
“There is no need to fantasize now about who and when will announce elections. We need to ensure a ceasefire. A ceasefire necessarily entails the termination of the martial law regime. The termination of martial law is guaranteed to lead to the immediate announcement of parliamentary elections within 60 days, because back in 2023 the parliament’s mandate expired. And presidential elections within 90 days, because already in 2024, in May, almost two years ago, the presidential mandate expired. Moreover, presidential powers are not subject to extension. The Constitution clearly states this. And therefore, hold parliamentary elections, then after 30 days hold presidential elections. Ensure the presence of observers. And this will be a powerful democratic step,” he is convinced.
“We will not allow the elections to be rigged,” the opposition leader warned.
“And secondly. Under no circumstances try to combine elections with a referendum. Because, firstly, it is constitutionally prohibited to hold a referendum on issues of territorial organization, state sovereignty, and territorial integrity. So do not violate the Constitution. No one will recognize this. And secondly, do not try to use a referendum as a PR tool, to go out to the people and say: ‘Friends, are you for peace? Are you for the country to be in the European Union right now? Vote for the current authorities and everything will be fine.’ This is a lie. This is manipulation. This is an information-psychological operation. And this is dishonest,” Poroshenko emphasized.
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