Institutional Risks and Peculiarities of Ukraine’s Party System

Abstract

This article examines the institutional risks and specific characteristics of the Ukrainian party system during contemporary political transformations. The research analyzes the dynamics of public trust, changes in the number of political parties, and the features of party representation at various levels of government. The findings indicate that the system faces challenges regarding its institutionalization, as shown by a persistent lack of public confidence that has not increased under martial law. Notably, political parties did not experience the “rally ‘round the flag” effect seen in other state institutions after 2022. This suggests that citizens perceive parties as secondary to the political process, which may create risks for the long-term legitimacy of the parliament.

A significant part of the study focuses on the phenomenon of “de-partizatio” within the legislature. Data shows a high percentage of non-partisan members of parliament – reaching 69% in 2019 – including those elected through party lists. This structure weakens party discipline and institutional responsibility, often turning parliamentary factions into loose associations of different interest groups. Furthermore, the article analyzes the development of a de facto two-level party system. Although the law requires parties to have national status, many organizations operate mainly at the regional level. This localization creates a center-periphery conflict that can hinder national development programs and disrupt communication between different levels of government.

Under martial law, political actors have adapted through digital communication and the transformation of banned parties into new parliamentary groups. The study concludes that despite the major electoral success of one party in 2019, the system maintains features of limited pluralism instead of becoming a predominant-party system. Addressing these institutional risks is necessary to ensure the stability and resilience of the national political system.