Verkhovna Rada confirms: local elections impossible during wartime; councils and heads remain in office until the end of the war
The Ukrainian Parliament has approved an important resolution establishing the legal stability of local governance amid the martial law caused by Russian aggression.
On October 8th, Verkhovna Rada adopted Resolution No.
14031, which enshrines the principle of the uninterrupted functioning of all local self-governance bodies: councils and heads at all levels—village, settlement, city, district in cities, regional.
This means that all local bodies continue to perform their duties, and the leaders elected through free and fair elections remain legitimate and empowered.
The authorities emphasize that organizing and conducting elections according to Ukrainian legislation and European democratic standards is currently impossible under wartime conditions.
The decision was supported by 308 deputies, highlighting the importance of stability and continuity in local governance during these challenging times.
According to the resolution, responsibility for non-compliance with democratic principles in election organization lies with the aggressor country.
At the same time, the current composition of local councils and heads elected in previous elections will remain valid until new election commissions are formed, and new leaders are elected in subsequent local elections, scheduled for the future, in accordance with Ukrainian law and the Constitution, with their powers continuing until the new terms take effect.