Majority of Ukrainians Oppose Holding Elections During War
Date: 2023-10-30 Author: Dima Zakharov Categories: POLICY
A recent survey conducted between September 30 and October 13, 2023, by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS) sheds light on the opinions of Ukrainians regarding the timing of parliamentary and presidential elections in the context of ongoing conflict. As of October 2023, 81% of respondents believe that elections should be postponed until after the war is over, suggesting that holding elections now is not a priority.
In contrast, 16% of those surveyed are in favor of conducting elections as scheduled by the Constitution, with parliamentary elections in October 2023 and presidential elections in March 2024, despite the ongoing conflict. An additional 3% of respondents were undecided on this issue. Sociologists noted that in all regions of Ukraine, the majority of the population opposes holding elections during wartime. In Western Ukraine, 84% of respondents share this view, followed by 82% in the Central region, 79% in the South, and 74% in the East.
The survey also asked respondents about their views on the possibility of online voting in elections. KIIS first posed this question in November 2021. The results indicate that most Ukrainians remain skeptical about remote voting via the internet, with 65% expressing concerns about the risks of fraud and manipulation. Only 29% support the idea of online voting. Negative attitudes toward the introduction of remote voting are consistent across all regions of Ukraine, with 55-68% of the population opposing the idea.
Furthermore, the survey explored the opinions of Ukrainians regarding potential limitations on citizens' rights during the post-war recovery period. These findings provide valuable insights into the Ukrainian public's stance on crucial issues related to the nation's political landscape and the impact of ongoing conflict.
In contrast, 16% of those surveyed are in favor of conducting elections as scheduled by the Constitution, with parliamentary elections in October 2023 and presidential elections in March 2024, despite the ongoing conflict. An additional 3% of respondents were undecided on this issue. Sociologists noted that in all regions of Ukraine, the majority of the population opposes holding elections during wartime. In Western Ukraine, 84% of respondents share this view, followed by 82% in the Central region, 79% in the South, and 74% in the East.
The survey also asked respondents about their views on the possibility of online voting in elections. KIIS first posed this question in November 2021. The results indicate that most Ukrainians remain skeptical about remote voting via the internet, with 65% expressing concerns about the risks of fraud and manipulation. Only 29% support the idea of online voting. Negative attitudes toward the introduction of remote voting are consistent across all regions of Ukraine, with 55-68% of the population opposing the idea.
Furthermore, the survey explored the opinions of Ukrainians regarding potential limitations on citizens' rights during the post-war recovery period. These findings provide valuable insights into the Ukrainian public's stance on crucial issues related to the nation's political landscape and the impact of ongoing conflict.
