20 Mar 2019 | 06:56 AM UTC
Ukraine: Presidential elections set for March 31
First round of presidential elections to be held on March 31; heightened political tensions and security measures expected
Event
The first round of Ukraine’s presidential elections will be held on Sunday, March 31, with a possible second round on April 21. According to opinion polls in mid-March, no candidate is expected to obtain the absolute majority in the first round, making a second round likely. Political tensions remain high throughout the country as of Wednesday, March 20, and an increase in political rallies are expected in the days and weeks leading up to the vote. The government announced increased border security measures with Moldova’s breakaway region Transnistria as well as Russian-annexed Crimea on Saturday, March 16. Heightened security is also expected around all polling sites on election day.
Context
According to recent polls released on March 14, Volodymyr Zelenskiy is leading opinion polls at almost 25 percent. Former Prime Minister and current Member of Parliament Yulia Tymoshenko has received 18 percent and incumbent President Petro Poroshenko has 17 percent support.
Advice
Individuals in Ukraine, particularly in Kyiv and other major cities, are monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
