Western Observers Say Ukrainian Runoff Fails to Meet Democratic Criteria :: Charter'97 :: News

The second round of Ukraine’s presidential election, in which Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich has opened up an unassailable lead, failed to meet many criteria for democratic polls, the Reuters news agency quoted Western monitors as saying on Monday.

“The second round did not meet a considerable number of (international) commitments for democratic elections,” Bruce George, head of an Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe mission, told a news conference.

He said Ukrainian authorities “did not respond positively” to monitors’ appeals to put right problems encountered in the first round on Oct 31.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators contesting the tally brought to a halt the center of Ukraine’s capital, Kiev, pitching tents in the middle of Khreshchatyk, the city’s tree-lined main thoroughfare.

Yushchenko addressed the crowd, saying he had no confidence in officials conducting the count.

“Remain where you are,” he told the 50,000-strong gathering in Independence Square. “From all parts of Ukraine, on carts, cars, planes and trains tens of thousands of people are on their way here. Our action is only beginning.

Supporters braved sub-zero temperatures in orange scarves, sweaters and headbands —- the colour of his campaign. Banners with the candidate’s portrait hung from buildings and a bridge.

Yanukovich led the challenger by 49.42 percent of the vote to 46.69 percent, with 99.14 percent of ballots tallied. In contrast, an exit poll released immediately after polls closed put Yushchenko in the lead by 54 to 43 percent.