Elections in Ukraine: illustrative photo
Michael Druckman, the program director for Ukraine at the International Republican Institute, shared insights into Ukrainian sentiments on elections during a conversation for the English-language podcast Ukraine Calling on Hromadske Radio.
In the most recent national survey conducted in September, the International Republican Institute delved into the issue of elections, with a particular focus on the perceptions of newly arrived displaced voters. Mr. Druckman emphasized the distinction between national and local levels. According to the survey, a significant majority of Ukrainians expressed the desire for displaced persons to participate in national elections, including the upcoming parliamentary election after the war. The key revelation was that over 60% of Ukrainians advocate waiting until after the war to hold elections.
While local elections are not scheduled until 2025, Mr. Druckman pointed out that changing populations in certain cities will give new voters the opportunity to choose their councils in the upcoming year. Earlier this year, when gauging attitudes toward displaced persons participating in local elections in their new communities, the survey found varying degrees of hesitancy.
«There was more hesitation by residents of Western Ukraine to see them participating in their local elections as opposed to, let’s say, the Center or Southern regions of Ukraine», — Mr. Druckman noted
Despite regional variations, the overarching sentiment from the survey was a collective belief that Ukraine should postpone elections until after the war, ensuring all Ukrainians have the opportunity to participate in the electoral process, regardless of their current location.
You may also read or listen the full conversation: «The incredible national unity»: Michael Druckman on Ukrainians’ views and moods