Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is about to face elections in 2024, however, his attitude has caused widespread controversy. In the current wartime environment, Zelensky seems inclined to postpone or avoid holding elections, sparking much speculation about whether he is trying to centralize power and extend his presidential term.
The state of war and displacement justified the postponement of the elections
Zelensky blamed the postponement of the elections on the current state of war and the resulting costs and displacement. In the context of the Russian-Ukrainian military conflict, there has been a displacement of more than 14 million people in Ukraine, which has created a huge obstacle to the organization of elections. How to re-register voters and organize voting among displaced populations in such a short period of time has become a serious challenge.
Zelensky, who is trying to postpone the elections by enlisting the support of Western countries, said on live television that elections in 2024 may be considered if Western funding support and observers work in the trenches. However, the action was met with criticism, with some seeing him as an attempt to shift the blame to the West and find a pretext for his quest for an extension of power.
The controversy over whether to try to centralize power
Zelensky's actions have raised concerns among some observers, who have questioned whether he is trying to centralize power and extend the presidency by postponing elections. The declaration of wartime status is extended for 90 days each time, seen by some as a way to try to ensure that he can have unlimited presidential powers. In this case, whether it is really necessary to postpone the election has become a topic of great concern.
Fear of the motivation for the rise of the opposition
Despite the existence of solutions to the problem of displacement, Zelensky may be reluctant to hold elections out of self-interest. Some observers believe he fears that the current wartime environment could cost him elections because of the country's sluggish opposition, even members of the military. He may believe that once elections are held and the presidency is lost, his political future and security will be threatened.
Against this complex background, questions arise about Zelensky's motives and responsibility to govern. Does he really care about the stability of Ukraine and the well-being of the population, or is he more concerned about his own power and interests? His actions appear to have somewhat eroded his reputation as a leader, raising questions about his level of trust in his leadership and decision-making.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing the 2024 election, and his attitude on the issue of postponing the election has aroused concern and controversy from all walks of life. He blamed the state of war and displacement, but whether that was enough to justify the postponement of the elections remains to be seen. At the same time, fears of motivation for the rise of the opposition are also at play. Finding a balance between the extension of power and public concern will be an important issue that Zelensky must face.