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Ukraine Ruling Party Retains Lead; Opposition Calls For Boycott

October 31, 2012

With 98 percent of party-list ballots counted in Ukraine's parliamentary elections, the ruling Party of Regions retains its lead with 30 percent.

The party of President Viktor Yanukovych now looks set to control at least 188 mandates in the 450-seat Verkhova Rada.

The party is likely to seek a partnership with political allies in order to control the 226 seats needed for a simple majority.

Members of the Fatherland (Batkivshchina) party of jailed opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko have accused authorities of falsifying voter lists in dozens of electoral districts.

The party, which currently holds second place with 104 seats, has called on opposition deputies to boycott the new parliament.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Mykola Azarov said the October 28 vote was "honest," but Western observers reported it "reversed" Ukraine's democratic progress.

Based on reporting by Interfax and pravda.com.ua

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/ukraine-ruling-party-lead-opposition-calls-for-boycott/24756631.html

Copyright (c) 2012. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.