Online voting: authorities consider innovations for post-war elections

Ukrainian authorities are studying European electoral models, including electronic voting options, to conduct elections immediately after the end of the war with Russia. This was shared by the head of the “Servant of the People” party, Olena Shulyak, in an interview with Politico.

She noted that there is currently a “huge problem with the voter register,” as many people have left the country – millions. Additionally, according to various estimates, there are 6.5 million internally displaced persons. After the war ends, one of the key challenges will be ensuring the right to vote for citizens remaining abroad and those living in territories temporarily occupied by Russia. It will be necessary to decide where and how they will vote.

For this, Ukrainian officials are studying European electoral models to borrow practices that will allow free and fair elections after the end of the war.

She also added that deputies are considering options for voting by mail, in-person abroad on election day, voting through representatives, and online voting.

According to recommendations from the Venice Commission at the Council of Europe and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, significant changes to electoral legislation must be adopted at least one year before the next elections in Ukraine.

The civil organization OPORA, which monitors elections, also urges the government to start preparing for voting after the end of the war.

In September, the Central Election Commission of Ukraine began updating information about polling stations that remain in the country, considering that about 20% of Ukraine’s territory is still under Russian occupation.

At the same time, Olena Shulyak noted that it would take at least 6 months to conduct elections after the end of the martial law.

Source: Politico