Ukraine Election

A runoff vote is being held in the Ukraine in the country’s first presidential elections since the Orange Revolution in 2004 which had brought Viktor Yushchenko to power. Viktor Yanukovych, opposition leader is facing Yulia Tymoshenko (Prime Minister) as neither candidate had won more than 50% votes in the first round held in January. They had won approximately 35% and 25% of the votes respectively . Mr. Yanukovych had won the election in 2004, but the poll was declared fraudulent and he was ousted. This led to the Orange Revolution which led to his opponent coming to power.

However, Mr. Viktor Yanukovych is still the most popular politician of Ukraine and he has based his campaign on criticism of the Prime Minister’s handling of the economy of Ukraine which has been hit badly by the global financial crisis. His manifesto has promised the improvement of social standards and reform in the economy. The manifesto has also promised restoring the friendly relations with Russia.

The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mrs. Yulia Tymoshenko is the most charismatic and flamboyant politician of Ukraine. Her manifesto focuses on forming a just society and also restoring friendly relations with Russia. The hero of the 2004’s Orange Revolution, Viktor Yushchenko, got only 5.5% of votes this time and came fifth out of eighteen candidates. Although he won the presidency with popular enthusiasm, he didn’t fulfil his election promises like introduction of transparent government and eradicating corruption. There was progress in media freedom, but Yushchenko’s presidency also led to increase in frustration in Washington and Brussels and deteriorated relations with Russia.

Although, the Ukrainian law has forbidden any publication of poll data during the two weeks before the Election Day, the polls which were taken before the first round stated that Mr. Viktor would win the runoff against Mrs. Yulia by 10 to 15% points. But Mrs. Tymoshenko still has a chance of closing the gap between her and Mr. Yanukovych as around 20% of the respondents are against (or undecided) regarding both the candidates. Her bloc has continuously performed better in the elections than the polls have predicted. The turnout is expected to be approximately 75% more than the first round.

Russia’s president Mr. Putin had backed Mr. Yanukovych during the 2004 elections. But this time Russia isn’t openly endorsing any candidates. Though, the Russian leaders have expressed their gladness in seeing the end of Mr. Viktor Yushchenko’s presidency.