Ukraine Election Update: Tymoshenko Refuses To Lose
February 17, 2010
By: Randi Zung

Days before the February 7 run-off election, the New York Times reported that Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko publicly accused her election rival, pro-Russian opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych, of trying to steal the election.  According to polling results from the Central Election Commission, Yanukovych won the February 7 run-off election by 3.5 percentage points.  The Washington Post reports the election was “praised” for being free and fair, unlike previous elections in the Ukraine.  According to a statement released by the United States Embassy in Ukraine, the election was “another step in the consolidation of Ukraine's democracy.”  In contrast, Tymoshenko told ITAR-Tass, a Russian news agency, that she will “never recognize” the results of the election.

On February 10, BBC News reported that Yanukovych released a statement on his website asking for Tymoshenko to respect democratic principles: “I want to remind Mrs. Tymoshenko that the basis of democracy is the will of the people.  Democratic leaders always accept the results of the elections. The country does not need a new crisis.”  Political analysts believe that Tymoshenko’s challenge is prolonging Ukraine’s already unstable political climate.  Observers from the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) stated that the official election results should be recognized.

On February 17, it was announced that the results of the election had been suspended, the New York Times reports.  Tymoshenko called for the suspension because she believes Yanukovych committed election fraud.  Ukraine's Administrative Court said they would rule on the matter by February 25 – the date that Yanukovych was to be inaugurated.  Tymoshenko refused to concede the election, despite calls from Yanukovych to give up, and despite acknowledgement from international leaders that the election was free and fair. 

United States President Barack Obama already congratulated Yanukovych, yet despite this recognition, Tymoshenko is still adamantly calling for a full recount.  Viktor Nebozhenko, the head of the Ukrainian Barometer polling agency, commented that Tymoshenko will not likely win in court because many of its members are Yanukovych supporters: “Tymoshenko knows quite well that she has little chance of winning, but she will use the proceedings to make strong accusations.”  Tymoshenko called for her supporters to resist demonstrating in the streets.  The last time her supporters took to the streets, the event became known as the Orange Revolution – which was sparked by fraudulent conduct and corrupt practices during the Ukrainian presidential election of 2004.  The Orange Revolution ended on January 23, 2005, with the inauguration of President Viktor Yushchenko.

Sources:

The Washington Post - Tymoshenko camp vows to challenge Ukraine vote

Taking Note - What Ukrainian election?

BBC News - Ukraine election: Yanukovych urges Tymoshenko to quit

The New York Times - Ukrainian Election Results Suspended on Appeal

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