Observers warn that loser in Ukraine’s presidential election may react with protests, lawsuits
By APSaturday, February 6, 2010
Observers: Loser in Ukraine vote might not concede
KIEV, Ukraine — Observers of Ukraine’s presidential vote warn that the loser in Sunday’s ballot might not concede to the winner, prompting fears of a protracted court battle or unrest in the streets.
Joao Soares, head of the observation mission from the OSCE assembly, says the main problem will be for both candidates to accept the results of the election.
Political analysts in Ukraine say that Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who trailed opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych by 10 percent in the first round of voting Jan. 17, will use legal maneuvering and public demonstrations to undermine the results if she losses in the runoff.
Polls are to open at 8:00 am Sunday for Ukraine’s 37 million registered voters.
