The Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Ukraine, Oleh Didenko, explained who can participate in the presidential and parliamentary elections. According to him, citizens who have left abroad and received temporary protection status in other countries do not have the right to nominate themselves.
Why won't Arestovich be able to run?
In an interview with the publication "Ukrainska Pravda", Didenko noted that according to the Constitution of Ukraine and the Electoral Code, candidates must have permanently resided in the country for the past 5 or 10 years, depending on the type of election.
“As of now, individuals who have gone abroad and received temporary protection there cannot run for office. This applies to both presidential and parliamentary elections,” he said.
Thus, Oleksiy Arestovych, who went abroad during the war, will not be able to participate in the election campaign.
Are there any exceptions?
Didenko explained that there are exceptions for those who left Ukraine for study, treatment, or business trips. If the period of stay abroad does not exceed 180 days per year or 90 consecutive days, then this is not considered an interruption of residence in Ukraine.
What about members of banned parties?
Separately, the CEC chairman commented on the situation with politicians who were members of banned parties or are under sanctions by the National Security and Defense Council.
- Parties whose activities are prohibited by court decisions cannot nominate candidates.
- Persons under NSDC sanctions are not formally directly prohibited from participating in elections.
When can elections be held?
According to The Economist, citing sources in the Ukrainian government, the presidential elections in Ukraine could be held as early as July 2025.
If this happens, many political figures currently abroad will find themselves outside the electoral process.
