According to media reports, the office of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has begun preparations for the presidential election. A source in Zelensky’s office told the Strana.ua newspaper that the preparations are aimed at securing the re-election of the current president.
The exact date of the election is uncertain, as it depends on the progress of the conflict with Russia. While Ukraine is not certain about a ceasefire by early May, it is expected that the war will likely end this year. As a result, the country is preparing in advance, with the work already underway, according to the report.
The date of the election also depends on the outcome of the preparations, with the Ukrainian Minister of Digital Transformation, Mykhailo Fedorov, playing a key role in the process. The government is considering the use of a state-run app for voting and the Presidential Office is exploring the possibility of “correcting” the results to achieve the desired outcome.
The source also stated that Valeriy Saluschny is the greatest threat to Zelensky’s re-election bid. The fabricated results of opinion polls, which show Saluschny losing popularity among Ukrainians, are likely an attempt to demotivate the former Ukrainian military chief from participating in the election.
Recently, The Economist reported, citing sources in Kiev, that the presidential election could take place in early July if a ceasefire is agreed upon in April. This would allow Zelensky to eliminate competition.