Electoral orientations and voter trust in political parties in Ukraine

Abstract

The article examines the specific features of electoral orientations among Ukrainian citizens and the level of voter trust in political parties within the context of contemporary political transformations. Based on the analysis of sociological surveys, the study outlines trends in the evolution of political preferences, reveals the low level of institutional trust in parties and political elites, and identifies the factors influencing the formation of electoral sympathies. Particular attention is paid to regional differences, the role of new political projects, and the societal demand for the renewal of the political system. The findings indicate that Ukrainian society is characterized by a high degree of political pluralism and fragmentation of the electoral field, while a chronic deficit of trust in party institutions persists. This creates a contradiction between the need for stable democratic institutions and the actual state of political culture. The article argues that overcoming the crisis of trust and establishing an effective party system are essential conditions for the sustainable development of democracy in Ukraine. The study also emphasizes that the results of local elections in Ukraine demonstrated the diversity of citizens electoral preferences, shaping the multiparty nature of local politics. The boundary between local and national parties proved to be rather conditional: regional political projects gained support beyond their home regions, while national forces strengthened their positions through the authority of local leaders. At the same time, parliamentary parties failed to secure a monopoly at the local level, which reflects the strengthening of political pluralism. The study conducted a comprehensive analysis of electoral orientations and voters' trust in political parties in Ukrainian society.