PROBLEMS AND MECHANISMS OF LEGITIMIZATION OF POLITICAL POWER IN CONDITIONS OF MARTIAL LAW IN UKRAINIAN SOCIETY

Abstract

The analysis of the problems of ensuring the legitimacy of political institutions and reducing the risks of a reputational crisis of power in the conditions of martial law in Ukraine was carried out. The theoretical principles of legitimation of power were determined, taking into account political, legal and social factors, including political consolidation around democratic principles and values; political predictability and effectiveness of political institutions, the rule of law; participation of citizens in socio-political processes; effective dialogue between society and power. In the study, the authors focus on tools for maintaining trust in government in the face of objective challenges to the legitimacy of elections. It is emphasized that the legal postponement of elections and the continuation of government activities in wartime does not automatically ensure its legitimacy, the trust of the people, or the stability of the democratic system. The key tasks for the government are to support democracy in the face of the suspension of the electoral process and to preserve the unity of political forces and society as a whole. It is noted that the legitimacy of the government directly depends on the public's trust in its decisions and the mechanisms for their implementation. The following legitimation mechanisms play an important role in martial law: effective interaction of state institutions, response to petitions and appeals of citizens, strict adherence to the Constitution in personnel policy, demonstration of integrity, performance of a representative function, communication with voters, effective management, the ability to localize corruption and counteract it, as well as clear public communication. The relevance of the development and practical application of extra-electoral instruments for the legitimation of state power is emphasized. Such instruments include, in particular, the formation of a parliamentary coalition of national unity, increasing the level of institutional capacity of government bodies, and ensuring stable communication with civil society institutions.