Kyiv is weighing the complex logistics of holding elections during active wartime, with a renewed focus on accessibility for all citizens. David Arakhamia, a key figure in Ukraine’s ruling party, has proposed exploring a hybrid voting system-combining conventional in-person ballots with online options-to facilitate participation both within Ukraine and among the notable diaspora. The discussion comes as lawmakers consider how to ensure democratic processes can continue amidst ongoing security concerns and displacement, and builds on prior debate about the legality of holding votes under martial law [[1]].
Арахамия. Фото из его соцсетей
Ukraine is considering options for holding elections during wartime, including a potential hybrid approach combining in-person and online voting. David Arakhamia, the head of the Servant of the People faction, suggested exploring the feasibility of such a system.
Source: Arakhamia made the comments during a meeting of a working group tasked with drafting election legislation for the period of martial law.
Direct Quote: “We need to decide whether to hold voting for Ukrainians abroad over several days, or return to the question of hybrid voting using online mechanisms. As a former IT professional, I still haven’t understood whether online voting is possible or not.”
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He added that the group is currently holding online meetings and utilizing online voting for committee decisions.
“I hope that your working group will seriously consider whether hybrid voting – online and offline – is actually feasible,” Arakhamia said.
Details: Arakhamia also identified voting by internally displaced persons (IDPs) as a significant challenge. He stated that many IDPs are not registering to avoid scrutiny from the draft.
He noted the difficulty of ensuring these individuals can reach polling places, emphasizing the need to maximize voter turnout.
Direct Quote: “If turnout is low, it will be an argument for the enemy that these elections may be considered illegitimate.”
