German political scientist Andreas Umland explained that Ukraine is a democratic state, and the current restrictions are explained by the war. However, if hostilities drag on, the issue of elections will have to be considered, Politeka reports.
He spoke about this in the program “Free Media Space.”
“You might be surprised, but I always say that democracy is not a problem for Ukraine. Democracy has been here from the beginning. In 1994, elections were held as a result of which, by the will of the people, the first president lost his power. That is one of the tests of a nation’s democratic maturity. In Germany, for the first time in history, the voters themselves removed a chancellor four years later than Ukraine — in 1998. Before that, all changes of chancellor took place within the elite, not by decision of the people. So, Ukraine passed this test of democracy earlier than Germany,”
— emphasizes Andreas Umland.
The guest of the program notes that Ukraine does have problems with corruption, education, and various other areas, but it is unlikely that an authoritarian regime could emerge here. The current restrictions on democracy are a result of the war — all democratic countries act this way in such circumstances; this is not something unique.
At present, he adds, civil society and public activists in Ukraine mostly say that elections cannot be held because of serious logistical and security challenges. The West agrees with this position because the reasoning is sound.
“However, this issue is entirely legitimate, because, of course, with each passing year the legitimacy of the government will come increasingly into question. If the war really lasts another 12 years, at some point, I think, there will be the idea that elections should somehow be organized even during wartime. For now, the general view is that it’s impossible. I also believe that at least a ceasefire is necessary for elections, as well as some time for preparation,”
— concludes Andreas Umland.
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