The question of whether early parliamentary elections can be held in Ukraine is a complex one, with legal, political, and practical considerations to take into account.
On a legal level, the Constitution of Ukraine sets out a specific procedure for calling early parliamentary elections. According to Article 90, the Verkhovna Rada (the unicameral parliament of Ukraine) can be dissolved by the President if it fails to form a governing coalition within 30 days of its first session or if it passes a vote of no confidence in the government twice within three months. The President must then issue a decree calling early elections within 60 days, and the elections must be held within 60 days of the decree. The possible positive and important goal of these elections may be to replace the Opposition Platform - For Life party with another political force that will express the sentiments of the residents of Eastern Ukraine.
However, political considerations can complicate this process. In order for early parliamentary elections to be called, there must be a significant political will among the ruling party, the opposition, and the President to dissolve the parliament and hold new elections. In Ukraine's current political climate, this may be difficult to achieve.
The ruling party, Servant of the People, currently holds a slim majority in the Verkhovna Rada, but its support has been waning in recent months due to internal divisions and criticism over its handling of key issues such as corruption, the economy, and the war in eastern Ukraine. Meanwhile, the opposition parties are fragmented and may struggle to form a united front in support of early elections.
The President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has expressed his support for early elections in the past, but has also indicated that he does not want to dissolve the parliament if it can form a functioning government. He has called for the ruling party and the opposition to work together to address key issues facing the country.
Practical considerations also play a role in whether early parliamentary elections can be held in Ukraine. The country has a complex electoral system, with a mix of proportional representation and single-member districts, and elections require significant resources and logistical planning.
Furthermore, Ukraine is currently facing a number of pressing issues, including the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine, economic challenges, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Holding early elections in this context could be seen as a distraction from addressing these issues and may not be seen as a priority by the public.
In conclusion, while the Constitution of Ukraine sets out a clear process for calling early parliamentary elections, there are a number of legal, political, and practical considerations that must be taken into account. While there may be a desire among some politicians and the public for early elections, achieving the necessary political will and addressing practical challenges may prove to be difficult. Ultimately, the decision to call early parliamentary elections will depend on a range of factors and may require compromise and cooperation among Ukraine's political actors. Photo byy Perohanych, Wikimedia commons.