Ukraine - election results

Yanukovich wins Ukraine presidential vote, Tymoshenko remains silent

Article published on the 2010-02-08 Latest update 2010-02-08 16:51 TU

Ukraine presidential election
(Photo: Reuters)

Pro-Russia Viktor Yanukovich became Ukraine's new President on Monday, after a close-run election against Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Yanukovich won by a margin of less than three per cent. The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe described the polls as a "impressive display of democratic elections".

The results point to a stunning comeback for Yanukovich who was poised to take the presidency in 2004 before he was accused of vote rigging and the Supreme Court ordered an election re-run.

Following the re-run, the pro-west Viktor Yushchenko was elected and the Orange Revolution swept Ukraine's old order from power and raised hopes of a new beginning for the former Soviet state.

Yanukovich's victory is seen as a rejection of the West-leaning policies of the Orange Revolution. In a victory speech on Sunday night, before the final results were known, Yanukovich promised a "new page" in Ukraine's history. He said he wanted to overcome the country's economic crisis and divisions.

Tymoshenko maintained her silence on Monday, cancelling two scheduled press conferences.

She had previously vowed to mobilise her street supporters if she detected fraud by her rival.