Ukraine president to be strengthened by snap election

Subject

Ukraine's parliamentary election.

Significance

Registration is over for candidates running for election to the Verkhovna Rada (parliament), after Ukraine's constitutional court threw out a challenge to President Volodymyr Zelensky's decision to call an early election on July 21. Opinion polls place Servant of the People, which only emerged in the last year, well in front, suggesting a second landslide victory for Zelensky. Four other parties are likely to win Rada seats.

Impacts

• Internal policy differences and a more organised opposition could challenge Servant of the People's parliamentary dominance.
• As Zelensky moves towards talks with Russia, his team remains committed to the existing European framework for talks.
• The Rada cannot be dissolved for one year but beyond that, another early election is possible if cohesion is lost.