In a collective decision, the sitting parties in the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament, have concurred that the next parliamentary and presidential elections in the country will be postponed until the conclusion of the ongoing conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who previously mentioned that the timing was not suitable for elections, emphasized the need for the country to focus on defense and the ongoing conflict.

While Zelensky's term is set to expire in 2024, elections cannot take place until the declaration of the end of martial law in the country. Zelensky expressed concerns about the irresponsibility of holding elections during wartime.

The signed statement, which has now come to light, outlines the agreement among representatives of all parties that "future free and fair national elections should be held after the end of the war and martial law, with sufficient time being given to prepare for the elections."

The consensus specifies that elections should be scheduled no earlier than six months after the lifting of martial law.

Originally slated for March 2024, the presidential elections will now be contingent on the conclusion of the conflict and the subsequent lifting of martial law, aligning with the unified stance of Ukrainian political parties. (ILKHA)