Democracy Meets Technology: How Ukraine Is Reimagining Governance in Wartime

Democracy Meets Technology: How Ukraine Is Reimagining Governance in Wartime

In 2022, as Russian forces invaded Ukraine, millions of lives were upended. Yet amid the chaos, Ukraine embarked on an extraordinary experiment: digitising democracy. This bold move has turned the country into a global case study in how technology can sustain governance, even during war. But can apps and algorithms truly replace ballots and face-to-face deliberations? Let’s dive into Ukraine’s journey to answer that question—and what it means for the future of democracy.

A Democracy Interrupted but Not Broken

It has been over five years since Ukraine last held national elections. In 2019, Ukrainians elected Volodymyr Zelenskyy as president and selected a new Parliament. They couldn’t have foreseen that these would be their last elections before a full-scale invasion.

The war disrupted not just daily life but also democratic processes. Scheduled elections in 2024 were postponed indefinitely due to security concerns. Surprisingly, this decision sparked little domestic backlash. Most Ukrainians supported the move, prioritising safety over polling stations. Yet, democracy didn’t grind to a halt. Instead, it found new life through technology—driven by an engaged civil society and an innovative government.

The Digital State: From Vision to Reality

Enter Diia, Ukraine’s groundbreaking digital platform. Launched by the Ministry of Digital Transformation in 2019, Diia (meaning “action”) aims to put the government in every citizen’s pocket. From driver’s licenses to property deeds, the app centralises essential services, eliminating bureaucratic red tape.

With nearly 20 million users—about the entire adult population—Diia has transformed daily interactions with the state. Citizens can register businesses, pay taxes, and even donate to humanitarian efforts through the app. During wartime, its role expanded further, providing critical services to displaced citizens and those under occupation.

“The big thing about Diia is making the government accessible,” says Anna Mysyshyn, CEO of Ukraine’s Institute of Innovative Governance. “Whether you’re abroad, in occupied territory, or facing mobility challenges, Diia bridges the gap.”

Yet accessibility isn’t universal. While 82% of Ukrainians use the internet daily, digital literacy varies. Older and less-educated citizens often struggle with apps like Diia, highlighting a digital divide that can leave vulnerable populations behind.

Democracy Beyond the Smartphone

Diia’s potential isn’t limited to administrative tasks. In February 2023, the app hosted a nationwide poll to select Ukraine’s Eurovision representative. Millions participated, but the app’s servers couldn’t handle the load and crashed. The incident underscored both the promise and pitfalls of digital democracy.

Critics like Maksym Dvorovyi, a digital rights policy expert, caution against over-reliance on apps. “Digital tools are fragile,” he warns. “They’re convenient, but they’re not immune to crashes or hacking. Real democracy requires more than just an app.”

This scepticism is shared by Mysyshyn: “Democracy in a smartphone is a beautiful concept, but it cannot replace public, face-to-face dialogue. Technology should enhance, not replace, traditional democratic processes.”

Civil Society as a Democratic Engine

Ukrainians haven’t waited passively for the government to act. When lawmakers restricted access to open data, citing security risks, citizens pushed back. Petitions and social media campaigns demanded transparency, forcing the government to reopen registries and resume public procurement disclosures.

“The Russian invasion is no excuse to ignore citizens,” Mysyshyn asserts. “Transparency is even more critical in wartime.”

Petitions have become a powerful tool for civic engagement. In 2023 alone, Ukrainians registered over 6,000 petitions. One high-profile case involved the dismissal of Culture Minister Oleksandr Tkachenko. Backed by artists and media professionals, the petition garnered 25,000 signatures and a direct response from President Zelenskyy, who replaced the minister.

Challenges in a Digital Democracy

Despite these successes, significant challenges remain. Digital tools are inherently vulnerable. Diia’s centralised nature makes it a prime target for cyberattacks. Privacy concerns also loom large, as sensitive citizen data—from passports to property records—is stored within the app.

Additionally, millions of Ukrainians remain out of reach. Refugees scattered across Europe and those in Russian-occupied territories often lack access to both physical and digital democratic tools. For them, the promise of a “state in a smartphone” remains unfulfilled.

Looking Ahead: The Case for Hybrid Democracy

Ukraine’s experience shows that technology can sustain democracy in dire circumstances, but it’s not a panacea. Moving forward, the country must prioritise a hybrid model that combines digital innovation with traditional democratic practices.

Here are actionable steps Ukraine—and other nations—can take:

1. Expand Digital Literacy Programs: Ensure that all citizens, especially the elderly and less educated, can navigate digital platforms.
2. Enhance Cybersecurity Measures: Protect sensitive data from breaches to build trust in digital tools.
3. Foster Face-to-Face Engagement: Reintroduce town halls, public forums, and other traditional methods of citizen-government interaction when feasible.
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4. Create Inclusive Platforms: Design apps that accommodate users with disabilities and those with limited digital skills.
5. Explore Secure E-Voting: If physical elections remain impossible, invest in secure, transparent digital voting systems.

A Blueprint for Resilience

Ukraine’s experiment with digital democracy is nothing short of revolutionary. It demonstrates how technology can keep governance alive in the darkest of times. However, the journey is far from complete. The lessons learnt here—about accessibility, security, and citizen engagement—offer a blueprint not just for Ukraine but for democracies worldwide.

In the face of war, Ukraine has shown that democracy is more than elections. It’s a living, breathing system sustained by citizens’ voices—whether heard in person or through a smartphone. As the country rebuilds, its commitment to both digital and traditional democratic practices will determine its future—and perhaps redefine democracy for us all.