Almanac of law. Issue 17 (2026), pages 648–653.
DOI: 10.33663/2524-017X-2026-17-648-653
Shapovalov A. S.
Objective and Subjective Suffrage: Doctrinal Correlation
The relationship between objective and subjective electoral law is one of the fundamental issues in constitutional law theory, as it reveals the dual nature of electoral law as both a normative system and an individual legal capacity. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of objective electoral law as a system of generally binding norms regulating the preparation, organization, and conduct of elections, as well as subjective electoral law as the guaranteed ability of a specific individual to participate in elections. Special attention is paid to scholarly approaches that interpret subjective electoral rights as a set of concrete rights of the citizen, as well as to international standards defining the content and limits of electoral rights. It is substantiated that objective electoral law must not only formally declare electoral rights but also ensure their effective and actual implementation. The practical significance of distinguishing between objective and subjective electoral law for improving Ukraine’s electoral legislation and ensuring effective and actual citizen participation in the electoral process is determined.
Keywords: electoral law, objective electoral law, subjective electoral law, active voting right, passive voting right, electoral process.
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Дата першого надходження рукопису до видання: 23.03.2026
Дата прийнятого до друку рукопису після рецензування: 09.04.2026
Дата публікації: 30.04.2026