Response to interpellation 2024/25:532 on Sweden's support for free and fair elections in Ukraine
Translated from Swedish by AI; the translation may contain errors. The Swedish text is the original.
Summary AI, written in advance
1 M considers that Sweden's primary foreign policy task is to stand by Ukraine to help them win the war and peace 1. M argues that elections cannot be held under a state of emergency as it violates Ukrainian law and poses security risks 1. M argues that Russia bears the responsibility that elections cannot be held 1 and that Sweden, through its aid strategy, contributes to strengthening democratic institutions 1 2. M argues that Sweden's long-term support for Ukraine's reconstruction and reform work contributes to strengthening the country's democratic development 3. M emphasizes that Sweden provides support to civil society organizations, public service, and independent media 3. M considers that Sweden has a leading role in increasing the military and financial support for Ukraine's sovereignty 3. S argues that the support for Ukraine must not stop at military aid but must also build trust and institutions. S emphasizes that there is a broad political consensus in Sweden regarding the support for Ukraine.
Written by AI in advance and may contain errors. The numbers lead to the speech a statement builds on; check against the text below.
Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)
Madam Speaker! Johan Büser has asked me how I and the government view the possibilities of contributing, through international organizations such as OSCE and EU, to ensuring that elections in Ukraine can be carried out in a legally secure and democratic manner. Johan Büser further asks what efforts Sweden can contribute to strengthen election administration, independent media, and civil society's role during an election process in Ukraine. He also asks how I and the government view Sweden's role in the work of election observation and support to ensure that all Ukrainians are given the opportunity to participate in a free and fair election, even in a situation where parts of the country are still under occupation or affected by the war.
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has entered its fourth year. When Russia tries to crush a democracy, the response from Sweden and like-minded countries must be crystal clear, namely that we stand by Ukraine's side – to help them win the war, but also the peace. It is Sweden's primary foreign policy task.
To organize an election in Ukraine, it is required that the state of emergency be lifted. We are not there yet, and it is a decision that is up to Ukraine to make. Organizing elections during an ongoing war would involve significant practical challenges and security risks, just as the questioner highlights. It is among other reasons why Ukraine's constitution and electoral law prohibit elections during a state of emergency. The law is intended to promote stability under extreme conditions.
We can therefore only speculate about the specific forms of Swedish support at a future election in Ukraine. When the state of emergency is lifted, it is central to have a close dialogue with Ukrainian authorities and civil society in order to be responsive to their needs. International support to conduct free and fair elections in Ukraine will naturally be central when elections are possible to conduct.
The Government adopted a strategy for Sweden's reconstruction and reform cooperation with Ukraine 2023–2027 in the summer of 2023. The strategy covers a total of 9 billion kronor and is Sweden's largest bilateral aid strategy ever. By the end of the strategy period, the Swedish support shall have contributed to a freer, more resilient and economically prosperous Ukraine on its way toward EU membership. The work strengthens Ukraine's resilience and democratic development, which also helps the country to withstand Russia's full-scale invasion.
One of the strategy's goals is that Sweden's aid shall contribute to human rights, democracy, the principles of the rule of law and equality. Within the area, the activities shall contribute to strengthening democratic institutions and an accountable, independent and more efficient public administration at national and local levels. The support is provided, among other things, through UN organizations, Ukrainian state authorities, Ukrainian media, as well as through a number of Ukrainian and international civil society organizations. Sweden's engagement through the EU and OSCE also contributes to this work. Through our extensive aid, Sweden contributes to a good foundation for Ukraine to be able to hold free and fair elections when the conditions allow.
Johan Büser (S)
Madam Speaker! When I traveled to Ukraine with the OSCE in February, I saw with my own eyes something that is difficult to describe and impossible to forget. I saw a part of the reality of war.
We rolled in with the train into a dark Kyiv, early in the morning – a night when the city was attacked. During the journey, the few days we were there, we, like many others who have visited Ukraine or are in Ukraine, had to sit in shelters. People who live and live in Ukraine are used to it, and we who are there temporarily are not used to it. This was an experience that makes it impossible to talk about Ukraine as a conflict far away. Ukraine's conflict is in some ways also here. It is now and it is Europe.
Another visit we made during our trip to Ukraine was to a memorial site dedicated to young people just outside Kyiv. Some of them were born as recently as 2003. Some of them were as young as 19 when they gave their lives in the fight to defend their country. It was one of the more poignant experiences of my life to see the memorial site and think of all the lives that were not lived. They fought for a free, democratic society – values that we share in the Swedish Riksdag.
During the trip, we met the Speaker, the Prime Minister, and the former president Poroshenko. We met both the government and the opposition. What struck me then was how impressive the unity, which they have managed to maintain, has been since Russia's full-scale war began in 2022. But more recently, in meetings with Ukrainian parliamentarians and opposition members, and Poroshenko himself, I have heard warning signs that the political cohesion is beginning to be challenged. Therefore, it is important that Sweden and the international community support Ukraine not only militarily but also democratically.
Madam Speaker! I have a particular interest in elections and democratic processes myself. I have been an election observer for OSCE several times in the USA, in the Western Balkans, in Central Asia, recently in Moldova and previously also in Ukraine. I have some of the insights required to conduct elections in difficult contexts. And that is why I have submitted the interpellation.
Ukraine is, just as the Foreign Minister points out, not ready to hold elections now. But when that day comes, which we hope, everything must be in place. It is about trust, infrastructure, independent media, functioning election administration, and the possibility for refugees and internally displaced persons to participate. Sweden will, of course, be ready to contribute, not at the last minute but well in advance.
We are now hearing talk of a possible ceasefire, even though I and others naturally doubt Russia's true intentions to achieve a ceasefire. Nevertheless, there is more talk of elections than there has been during previous years of this terrible war. Therefore, I have an appeal to the Foreign Minister: It may be wise to take certain initiatives bilaterally via OSCE and EU to ensure that a future election in Ukraine becomes both free and fair and that Sweden gives signals that we are willing to contribute to the election in a good way.
Carina Ödebrink (S)
Madam Speaker! I thank Johan Büser for taking the initiative for this important interpellation, and I also thank the Minister for the answer.
I have been a member of the Swedish OSCE delegation since 2018 when I entered the Riksdag. Since last year, I have also been a rapporteur for the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's Third Committee, which is responsible for democracy and human rights.
Madam Speaker! My first election observation was in 2019 in Ukraine. It was something quite special. I observed together with a senator from Canada, and it was our first observation for both of us. It was incredibly moving, educational, and solemn to observe and meet people. The election observations are, after all, something of the heart of the OSCE's parliamentary assembly.
We know that Ukraine has for a long time worked purposefully towards a direction towards Europe, for openness, for democracy and to combat corruption. There are great challenges, and much remains to be done, but there is a clear thought and ambition about where one wants to go and which group one wants to belong to.
A functioning structure is required to plan and carry out an election and an election campaign. We had a committee meeting in OSCE's parliamentary assembly this Monday. The representatives from Ukraine, both majority and opposition, are clear that it is not possible to conduct elections at the current moment – just as the Council of State said in its response. The day there is a sustainable and long-term peace and ceasefire, planning can begin, and the timeframe for conducting an election is at least six months.
What is the government's assessment regarding the ceasefire and the conditions for free and fair elections? What does the Minister think? And what is the Minister's assessment of the situation when the USA so clearly buys the Russian narrative and sets demands that elections must be held, despite the situation in the country and the fact that one is actually at war? It should be free and fair elections, and all Ukrainian citizens should be granted the right to vote. At the same time, 20 percent of the country is actually under Russian occupation. I would like to hear the Minister elaborate on that a bit.
Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)
Madam Speaker! Thank you, Johan Büser and Carina Ödebrink, for your important contributions to OSCE, including as election observers!
Johan Büser mentions in his interpellation some of the specific challenges of organizing elections during an ongoing or recently concluded conflict, for example when it comes to security risks and voter turnout. And Carina Ödebrink raises the particularly difficult question of occupied areas.
In addition to this, I want to mention Russia's attempts to constantly undermine the stability and unity in Ukraine through information influence and other hybrid means. Ukraine's institutions have, in that context, shown an impressive resilience to preserve their sovereignty and to defend our common values.
I also want to mention that it is Russia and its leadership that bear the ultimate responsibility for the fact that it is currently not possible to hold elections in Ukraine. As long as the war continues and a state of emergency prevails, it is, as I said in my previous statement, not possible to hold elections according to Ukrainian legislation. And there is broad support in Ukraine, including from the opposition and within civil society, not to hold elections under the current circumstances.
Carina Ödebrink raises the discussion on a ceasefire and states that the USA is buying the Russian narrative about the need to hold an election soon. That was something that also concerned me. But I experience that it has been toned down significantly now and that it is practically no longer being said from the American side. I have also discussed just that question with both Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Sybiha. It is about what difficulties exist and ultimately what consequences it could have that would also benefit Russia.
I believe that we are fundamentally in agreement that we must support free and fair elections in Ukraine the day it is time for that. Naturally, this debate contributes to keeping the issue alive. I believe that is important.
Johan Büser (S)
Madam Speaker! Thank you, Minister for Foreign Affairs, for a serious answer to the question!
When it comes to Ukraine, we agree on relatively much, and that is good. But I still believe that Sweden should already now prepare to take an active role in an upcoming election in Ukraine, even if it, just as the Foreign Minister points out, will take some time. We can note that the opposition and the government in Ukraine are at least in agreement that one should wait six months before holding elections after a potential ceasefire. I heard that and Member Ödebrink last Monday at our meeting with the OSCE.
Madam Speaker! Organizing an election in a country where parts of the territory are occupied, where millions of people are in flight, and where information influence is constant is among the most complex things one can do. I was, as I mentioned earlier, in Moldova and observed in the breakaway region of Transnistria right next door. I learned a lot about both the OSCE's work with mediation there and how one de facto organizes an election when parts of the country's territory are simply occupied.
I have said that I think Sweden can contribute and engage in dialogue with the Ukrainian election authority, with other international organizations, and with civil society regarding what is needed for a legitimate election to be held. It is, of course, about building capacity and not just about sending election observers on election day.
An important and central issue to consider is how we secure the flow of information to the citizens. We know that Russia invests enormous resources in disinformation – we have spoken about that – in both Ukraine and other environments. Quite recently, we had a delegation from Moldova visiting the Swedish Riksdag. They raised exactly the issue of disinformation. Sweden has an important role in supporting independent media, especially those that operate digitally and that also target refugees in Europe.
Civil society in Ukraine is pleasingly strong, but it is severely tested. Many organizations are already working to monitor public decisions, strengthen the voices of minorities, and enable women and young people to both participate and contribute to Ukrainian society. But their resources are, of course, limited. When we talk about election preparations, we should also talk about support for these groups.
We must also take into account that it is not just about technology but also about legitimacy. An election that takes place in the shadow of a potentially concluded war risks, of course, being questioned, especially if it occurs in a climate of internal political mistrust, as I mentioned earlier. It is therefore important that Sweden, as a credible and broad, united actor, helps to lay the foundation for openness and participation already now.
I would like to hear how the Minister for Foreign Affairs views Sweden's potential contribution of support to the electoral commission, to strengthen independent media and civil society, so that we also counter disinformation.
Carina Ödebrink (S)
Madam Speaker! I welcome the listeners who are here in the chamber and listening today.
The support for Ukraine here and now, today, is absolutely crucial for Ukraine to be able to win the war against Russia and secure a long-term, sustainable peace. Our contribution, together with the contributions from the rest of the EU and the rest of the world, is incredibly important. When we meet our Ukrainian colleagues in the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, they cannot emphasize enough and thank us for the help and the support they receive.
Just as the Minister says in the response and as Johan Büser is touching upon, our support is about measures here and now, today. But it is just as important, of course, to actually have a support and a plan to be there the day the war is over.
I am convinced that incredibly many people in Sweden since Russia's war of aggression began have formed ties to Ukraine. These are personal ties or ties between different civil society organizations. They will be valuable the day the war is over. We must truly take advantage of the fact that we have built up relations that are also of great importance for Ukraine's future.
Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)
Madam Speaker! Sweden's support for democracy and free elections has a long tradition, and through our extensive and long-term support for Ukraine's reconstruction and reform work, both via the EU and bilaterally, we contribute to strengthening resilience and promoting the country's democratic development. It also helps the country to withstand Russia's full-scale invasion. We provide, among other things, extensive support to civil society organizations in Ukraine that work to promote democracy and human rights.
Under war, influence, and propaganda from Russia, the need for independent media is very great. Since the full-scale invasion in 2022, we have provided support to the Ukrainian national public service company and independent media for credible and accurate news reporting during the war.
Together with partner countries and aid partners, we support Ukraine's democracy before and during elections. Here, the EU and OSCE play important roles regarding aid and election observation respectively.
Through our extensive assistance, I mean that we are giving Ukraine a good basis to hold free and fair elections when Ukraine assesses that the conditions for this exist.
Until then, we must, just as Carina Ödebrink is pointing out, provide sufficient support to Ukraine to withstand the Russian aggression. Therefore, it is central that we within the EU increase our military and financial support for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. Sweden has a leading role in this. The total Swedish support to Ukraine since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 amounts today to 90.6 billion kronor.
Johan Büser (S)
Madam Speaker! I thank the Minister for Foreign Affairs for the answers to my interpellation. Ukraine is fighting, as we know, for its freedom, but Ukraine is also fighting for its democracy. Democracy is not a given, not in Ukraine and not in many other places in our world. Our support shall not stop at military aid, but we shall build trust, institutions and participation.
We also have something in Sweden that many other countries do not have. We actually have a broad political consensus here at home in support of Ukraine. It is very pleasing. I am grateful that the Foreign Minister is a carrier of this. It is we Social Democrats as well, and we will continue with our commitment to Ukraine.
Looking out, we see that support for Ukraine is now being questioned in the USA. In several EU countries, the division is growing. This was also something that both I and my colleague MP Ödebrink noticed on Monday when we met several countries in the OSCE's parliamentary assembly. It is worrying.
As said: In Sweden, we stand united. It is a strength, and it is a responsibility. My final appeal to the Minister for Foreign Affairs in this interpellation debate is: Let us continue to use the Swedish consensus and the trust that we have built up together to continue playing a more active role in supporting Ukraine's democracy long-term and strategically.
Utrikesministern Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)
Madam Speaker! I would like to conclude by highlighting the Ukrainian people's struggle for free and fair elections. It was in defense of democracy and its fundamental values that the Ukrainian people gathered on Maidan during the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Dignity Revolution in 2014. Their courage and determination provide inspiration and remind us of the importance of standing up together for our common values.
I am very pleased with the commitment that exists here in the Riksdag, both for Ukraine and for fair elections. This has manifested, among other things, through the many members who participate in election observations. Together, we must continue to strengthen democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and respect for international law, which is also the foundation of our foreign policy. Many thanks for this! Let us continue to work together.
Source: The Swedish Parliament. The speeches come from the open data of the Riksdag, translated into English by AI, which may contain errors.