The Constitution of Ukraine stipulates that during martial law or a state of emergency, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament) continues to exercise its powers until the first session of a new parliament elected after the cancellation of martial law. Ukrainian legislation also prohibits holding elections during martial law in the country.
After claims about the illegitimacy of the Ukrainian President, Russian media began spreading another disinformation narrative—this time claiming that the Ukrainian parliament has also lost its legitimacy. Now, Russian authorities are stating that there is no one left to negotiate with and that even the martial law imposed by this parliament should be considered illegal.
Screenshot – antifashist.com
In Ukraine, parliamentary elections were indeed scheduled to take place in the fall of 2023, had Russia not launched its full-scale invasion and engaged in active combat operations across many regions of the country, occupying some territories. As a result, due to the war, holding parliamentary and presidential elections is impossible. Primarily, this is because Ukrainian law prohibits it. International law also stipulates that elections require a peaceful political environment, full realization and comprehensive protection of all freedoms and human rights, as well as full guarantees of public order and security, which is impossible during active hostilities.
Regarding the powers of the Verkhovna Rada during martial law, the Constitution of Ukraine clearly states (Article 83):
“In the event that the term of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine expires during martial law or a state of emergency, its powers shall be extended until the first session of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine elected after the termination of martial law or a state of emergency.”
Both civil activists and Ukrainians in general oppose holding elections in Ukraine during the war. More than 100 civic organizations in the country signed a statement expressing their position that elections and full-scale war are incompatible. According to polls, 59% of Ukrainians have a negative attitude toward the idea of holding national elections in Ukraine before the war is over (a survey conducted by the Razumkov Center in June 2024). In 2023, 64% of respondents expressed opposition to elections during the war.
Previously, StopFake debunked a similar disinformation narrative about the illegitimacy of President Volodymyr Zelensky due to the expiration of his term in office.
