Monday, Nov 22, 2004
Monday, Nov 22, 2004 |
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By Vladimir Radyuhin
MOSCOW, NOV. 21. A Russia-leaning candidate took an early lead over his pro-Western rival in Ukraine's bitterly-fought run-off presidential vote on Sunday that will decide whether the second biggest former Soviet republic turns to the West or stays in Russia's orbit. An exit poll conducted across Ukraine showed that the 54-year-old Prime Minister, Victor Yanukovich, was leading with 53 per cent of the votes against 44 for the 50-year-old former Prime Minister, Victor Yushchenko, by 12 p.m. local time. According to another poll, Mr. Yanukovich took 52 per cent compared to 48 per cent received by his rival, the Moscow Echo radio reported. The two men came far ahead of the other 22 candidates in the first round of voting on October 31, winning just under 40 per cent each with Mr. Yushchenko a fraction of a percentage point ahead of Mr. Yanukovich. Vote divides nation The vote split Ukraine's 49-million population, with the industrially-developed east and south voting 85 per cent for Mr. Yanukovich, and the agricultural west supporting Mr. Yushchenko by as big a majority. The Russian President, Vladimir Putin, visited Ukraine in the run-up to both the first and second rounds of voting to support the Prime Minister, who favours stronger economic ties with Russia. He is also backed by Ukraine's outgoing President, Leonid Kuchma, who has served two five-year terms. By contrast, the West has thrown its weight behind Mr. Yushchenko, who wants Ukraine to join NATO and the European Union.
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