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Parliamentary Elections Put Ukraine at Political Crossroads

Tatiana Vorozhko

   It was just months ago that a tidal wave of popular support carried a
   comedian who played the president on a popular sitcom to Ukraine's
   highest elected office, captivating a massive global audience in the
   process.

   This weekend, however, voters return to the ballot box in a decidedly
   less attention-grabbing election. But the vote has substantial
   consequence for the war-wracked nation's territorial sovereignty and
   political direction. Ukraine's parliamentary-presidential form of
   government means the composition of its legislative body -- the
   Verkhovna Rada-- controls a range of issues from domestic and foreign
   policy to budgetary allocations and most ministerial appointments.

   Although Ukraine's constitution allows President Volodymyr Zelenskiy to
   handpick ministers of foreign affairs and defense, the Rada suggests a
   candidate for prime minister. Once confirmed by the legislative body,
   the prime minister then is required to subject his own picks for other
   ministerial posts to further rounds of confirmation.

   According to the latest polls, at least five parties are likely to pass
   the 5% threshold to win seats in the Rada.

   Leading the pack is Zelenskiy's Servant of the People Party, with an
   estimated lock on anywhere from 41 to 52% of the electorate.

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