FEATURES OF MEDIA COVERAGE OF ELECTORAL PROCESSES IN UKRAINE IN THE POST-WAR PERIOD

The article examines the features of coverage of election processes in the mass media of Ukraine in the post-war period. It is substantiated that the post-war period is becoming key for the restoration of democratic institutions and the consolidation of society, and the media play a central role in this process. Ensuring the transparency of election procedures, increasing citizens’ trust in elections, and counteracting manipulation are the main tasks facing modern Ukrainian media. It is determined that the features of coverage of elections in the post-war period are the fight against disinformation, countering attempts at political manipulation, as well as the need to take into account the increased emotionality and vulnerability of the audience. It is emphasized that a significant role in the formation of public opinion is played by social networks, which have become the main channel of information for many Ukrainians. Social media, on the one hand, open up new opportunities for involving voters in the political process, but at the same time create risks of spreading fake news and provocative content. Particular attention is paid to the problem of the survival of regional media, which in conditions of war and economic crisis often remain the only source of information for local communities. It is shown that the restoration and support of regional media is a necessary condition for ensuring equal access of citizens to information about elections, as well as for strengthening the connection between the state and society. It is concluded that the media in the post-war period should not only inform citizens about the course of elections, but also contribute to the restoration of trust in democratic processes. Election campaigns become an instrument not only of political struggle, but also of national unification, and it is the media that should play an important role in this process. The development of ethical standards in election coverage, support for regional media and the introduction of mechanisms to combat disinformation are key areas for ensuring transparency and democracy of electoral processes in Ukraine.