The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine adopted Resolution No. 14031, which aims to confirm the legitimacy and continuity of local government functioning under martial law.

With the outbreak of full-scale aggression by the Russian Federation in Ukraine, it became objectively impossible to hold local elections in accordance with constitutional principles and European electoral standards. This was primarily due to the lack of security guarantees for those involved in the electoral process.

At the same time, however, local self-government plays a critical role in ensuring the functioning of communities, organising defence, and supporting the residents. That is why the Parliament has clearly stated that the legitimacy of the councils and heads elected in the last local elections will be preserved until new elections are held after the martial law is lifted.

The main provisions of the Resolution

• the continuity of the functioning of representative bodies of local self-government, and the legitimacy of their powers is confirmed;
• the impossibility of organising democratic local elections during wartime is recognised;
• it is emphasised that the aggressor state, the Russian Federation, is responsible for disrupting the electoral process;
• it guarantees that new elections will be held after martial law ends, in accordance with the Constitution and legislation of Ukraine;
• the international community is called upon to continue supporting Ukraine in ensuring the continuity of democratic institutions.

European context

Ukraine has been a member of the Council of Europe since 1995 and has committed itself to adhering to European standards of democracy. The adoption of Resolution No. 14031 aligns with the provisions of the European Charter of Local Self-Government and the practices employed to safeguard the continuity of government during times of crisis.

Therefore, the document not only regulates the legal aspects of local self-government during wartime, but also demonstrates Ukraine’s commitment to democratic principles, even amidst the most challenging circumstances.

As previously reported, MP Vitalii Bezgin, head of the subcommittee on local self-government and administrative structure, said that the document was the result of a consensus between parliamentary factions and groups. This was facilitated by the Council of Europe, which served as a platform for developing a common vision on one of the key issues of the current stage of public administration.

‘We all understand that it is simply impossible to hold elections as required by law and European standards during the war. However, this does not mean that communities, districts, or regions are left without authority. On the contrary, we confirm the legitimacy of councils and heads of all levels elected by the people. They continue to work, make decisions, keep the system running and ensure the functioning of territories — from the smallest village to the regional centre. This decision is about stability and trust, about the fact that no aggressor will be able to disrupt the work of Ukrainian self-government in wartime,’ commented Vitalii Bezgin.