Foreign observers said today that Ukraine's presidential elections, which have been marred by allegations of intimidation and voter fraud, did not meet international standards.
The joint mission representing the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe, the European Parliament and Nato said its officials observed abuse of state resources in favour of the pro-Russian prime minister, Viktor Yanukovych.
The same group of observers denounced the election's first round, which took place on October 31, and said authorities had failed to fix the flaws.
Bruce George, the official in charge of the monitoring operation, said: "With an even heavier heart than three weeks ago, I have to repeat the message from the first round; this election did not meet a considerable number of international standards for democratic elections.
"The deficiencies have not been addressed. The abuse of state resources in favour of the prime minister continued, as well as an overwhelming media bias in his favour," he said.
With almost all the results counted after the polls closed late yesterday, official figures showed Mr Yanukovych held a narrow lead over pro-western opposition candidate, Viktor Yushchenko.
Exit polls, however, showed the challenger ahead, prompting claims from Mr Yushchenko and his supporters that the government had falsified the results.
Tens of thousands of Yushchenko supporters brought the city centre to a halt, pitching tents in the middle of Khreshchatyk, Kiev's tree-lined main thoroughfare.
Mr Yushchenko addressed the crowd, saying he had no confidence in officials conducting the count. 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.
"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."
He called for cancellation of results in districts of eastern Ukraine, Mr Yanukovich's stronghold, where he said turnout had exceeded the number of voters on lists. He also demanded an emergency session of parliament.
The rival candidates presented Ukraine with a stark choice for its future, 13 years after independence from Soviet rule. The prime minister seeks closer ties with Moscow, while the challenger calls for gradual integration with the rest of Europe.
In a bitter campaign, Mr Yanukovich accused the challenger of causing Ukraine's current problems during his earlier stint as prime minister and Mr Yushchenko fought back by branding the prime minister unfit for office because of convictions for theft and assault in his youth.
Source.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,3604,1356988,00.htmlWell the Ukraine election result is already news around the world, while we are still waiting for the American fraudulent election result to receive the attention it warrants. What a terrible indictment of the so-called 'Freedom of the press', as it obviously no longer exists in America. The media is now just an extension of the propaganda arm of the Repug party.
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