The Czech Republic is ready to help Ukraine hold parliamentary and presidential elections in 2024 after Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said it would need help from Western allies. Daniel Drake, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told EURACTIV.cz.
“The organization of elections in the context of Russian military aggression against Ukraine is regulated by Ukrainian law, and, as difficult as it may be, we believe that they can be organized next year,” Drake told EURACTIV.cz.
“The Czech Republic is ready to support Ukraine in this matter, but the exact form of this assistance can only be discussed on the basis of a specific request from the Ukrainian side,” Drake said, adding that the country has not yet received any specific proposals. request.
Zelensky recently said voting could take place even during war, but Ukraine must change laws and involve EU and NATO partners in sharing election costs.
Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakušan confirmed the country’s readiness to provide assistance, adding that Ukraine’s requirements will determine the specifics of Czech assistance.
However, Peter Stano, a spokesman for the European External Action Service, told EURACTIV.cz that Ukraine has not yet contacted the service about this matter.
“In general, the organization of elections is the responsibility of the country in which they take place. If Ukraine turns to the EU with a specific request, the EU will take it seriously,” Stano said.
Potential elections in the occupied territories could prove particularly difficult, according to Denník N election expert Daniel Kerekes. Moreover, millions of Ukrainians were displaced and scattered throughout Europe. However, Kerekes considers the 2024 elections a realistic scenario.
“Ukraine already has some experience in this regard. With the help of the EU and the US, this can be done. It will be difficult, it will have many shortcomings, but it is realistic,” Kerekes said, warning that if the war lasts long and elections do not take place, Zelensky and his government will quickly lose legitimacy.
(David Pastor, Aneta Zahova | EURACTIV.cz)
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