Viktor Yanukovich has practically no chance of catching up with the other presidential contender

Wednesday, February 8, 2023

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Viktor Yanukovich has practically no chance of catching up with the other presidential contender, Viktor Yushchenko. Mr. Yushchenko broke away from Mr. Yanukovich by 11%, which became clear after 92.25% of protocols were processed. Mr. Yushchenko was supported by 53.53% of voters or 14,150,096 people. 42.69% of voters, or 11,286,006 people, supported Mr. Yanukovich, according to the Central Election Commission. 2.36% of the population voted against both presidential contenders. The votes cast by 26,432,728 people have been counted as of now. Thus experts say Mr. Yushchenko has practically won the presidential race as the gap between him and his rival is about 11%. Less than 8% of protocols are yet to be counted. Preliminary reports said 77.13% of voters turned out at polling stations. The turnout at the November 21 runoff was 79.35%. Mr. Yushchenko is leading in 17 regions, while Mr. Yanukovich is in the lead in 10 regions. As before, the dividing line goes along the border of the Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Nikolayevsk and Odessa regions, separating the eastern and southern regions of the country. People in Ukraine did not sleep on the night following the presidential elections as they were following the vote count. Mr. Yushchenko congratulated his supporters on the victory at night without waiting for final or even preliminary results. "The first news is we did it," said Mr. Yushchenko when he appeared at his election headquarters. "This is the victory of the Ukrainian nation, Ukrainian people. We are free now," said Mr. Yushchenko. Mr. Yushchenko appeared before reporters wearing a black suit, a white shirt and an orange tie. He delivered a short speech offering thanks to his election staff, supporters and the independent media whose backing he said was vital. "Thanks to the orange revolution being a Ukrainian has become fashionable, honorable and prestigious in the world," said Mr. Yushchenko. Mr. Yushchenko left his headquarters for Independence Square to meet thousands of his supporters there. "Dear friends, now we are living in an independent and free Ukraine," he said. "We have enjoyed independence for 14 years, but we have not been free. For 14 years we have tolerated the tyranny of Kuchma, Medvedchuk and Yanukovich," said Mr. Yushchenko. Mr. Yushchenko pledged to form an "honest and truthful government, the government enjoying popular trust."

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