Flawed Foundation: MP Raises Alarms Over Transparency and Inclusion in Ukraine's New Veterans Council Elections

The ongoing formation of Ukraine's Council of War Veterans for Independence is facing mounting scrutiny. Taras Tarasenko, a Member of Parliament from the "Servant of the People" faction, has publicly questioned the integrity of the election process, warning that administrative barriers and restrictive rules threaten to undermine trust in the newly established advisory body.

Discrepancies in Representation

The Council's creation, initiated by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs under Order No. 90, aims to shape state policy for veterans, their families, and the relatives of fallen or missing soldiers. However, Tarasenko points out a significant contradiction: while the Ministry's mandate covers a broad spectrum of individuals affected by the war, current regulations effectively exclude veterans' families from joining the Council.

According to the new rules, only "public associations of war veterans"—defined as non-profit organizations where over half the members are veterans—are permitted to nominate candidates. The MP notes that this specific definition lacks a basis in Ukrainian legislation, casting doubt on the legality and inclusivity of the initiative.

Accessibility and Remote Voting Failures

Another major point of contention is the physical accessibility of the election process. Although the regulations theoretically allow for remote document submission and electronic voting, a loophole stating this is only applicable "if technically possible" has given regional administrations the leeway to deny remote participation.

Tarasenko highlights the case of Andriy Ovsiychuk, a disabled veteran from the Rivne region, who was refused the option to submit his documents remotely. Local authorities claimed the mechanism was "not normatively provided," directly contradicting the Council's own provisions. Such administrative hurdles effectively disenfranchise wounded soldiers, individuals undergoing rehabilitation, and active-duty military personnel.

Regional Conflicts and Administrative Interference

The election process has also sparked open conflicts between the veteran community and local authorities, most notably in the Kharkiv region. Candidates have reported being excluded from the elections without clear criteria or formal documentation. In some instances, rejections were communicated via phone calls citing vague "collective decisions"—a practice Tarasenko condemns as a violation of proper administrative procedure.

The MP emphasizes that regional administrations possess only technical authority to verify documents, not the discretionary power to arbitrarily accept or reject candidates. The concentration of organizational control within the executive branch raises significant risks of administrative manipulation, contradicting the concept of independent veteran self-governance.

A Call for Urgent Reform

Tarasenko concludes that the current election model requires immediate adjustments. He is calling for:

• Equal opportunities for all groups under the Ministry's care, including family members, to participate.
• Clearer regulations for regional meetings.
• Mandatory implementation of electronic application and voting systems.

Without these changes, Ukraine risks creating a formal but unrepresentative body, deepening the disconnect between the state and the veteran community.