THE FOREIGN Affairs Ministry has voiced concern at the outcome of the run-off round in eastern neighbour Ukraine’s presidential election.
“We are observing the tense situation in Ukraine regarding vote-rigging reports,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Juraj Tomaga told the TASR news agency November 22.
“The Foreign Ministry expresses its belief that the responsible authorities in Ukraine will have the courage to ensure a fair and democratic counting of votes that respects the will of the Ukrainian people,” he said.
With 98 percent of the votes counted, Premier Viktor Yanukovich, who is supported by outgoing President Leonid Kuchma, had 49.57 percent while his pro-western opponent, Viktor Yuschenko, had 46.57 percent, according to figures published by the Central Electoral Commission on November 22.
However, exit polls on Sunday evening indicated that Yuschenko had a lead of several percentage points.
The opposition is demanding a special parliamentary session to call for a recount and to bring a motion of no confidence against the Central Electoral Commission.
