You're reading: Poroshenko says snap local elections may be held in Ukraine, unless decentralization amendments made to Constitution by Oct. 25

Ukraine's President Petro Poroshenko did not rule out that unless the parliament manages to amend the Constitution by Oct. 25, at least in terms of decentralization, the issue of the early local elections may arise.

“The “road map” which should be put forward, including by the Constitutional Commission, makes it possible today to do this until October 25,” he said on June 23 at a meeting of the National Reforms Council.

Poroshenko noted that political forces should decide on this matter.

According to him, the reform of the Constitution in terms of decentralization should take place by October 25, and a timeframe for transitional provisions should be determined, as it will be necessary to amend nearly 500 laws. “And the transitional provisions will give the opportunity to do that without additional, early local elections,” he stressed.

The president pointed out that otherwise, there is a need for the discussion on holding the snap local elections.

The next local elections in Ukraine are scheduled for Oct. 25.