Post-Election Tension Rises in Kiev

The Election Committee’s Chairman, Sergei Kivalov, made the official announcement declaring Yanukovych the winner despite intense pressure. Kivalov announced the official results of the election to be 48.45 percent of the votes in favor of Yanukovych and 46.61 percent in favor of Yushchenko. Two of the 13 members of the council refused to sign the results because of claims that there were violations. Yushchenko said he was prepared to hold a second round of elections overseen by an honest elections committee. Yanukoviych responded that he would not accept the results until constitutional assurances are made to him and the Ukrainian public regarding the "legitimacy and reliability" of the official results. Yanukovych said that he does not need any pseudo-victory that could pave the way to violence and victims. Yuliya Timoshenko, one of the opposition leaders, said they would be sending the issue to the Supreme Court.

‘Risk of Civil War’

Kuchma says Ukraine is standing on the brink of civil war. Kuchma warned other countries not to interfere with Ukraine’s internal affairs and said the civil war that occurred after the Bolshevik Revolution could be replayed today. Kuchma urged the parties to discuss the issue and reject any attempts to use violence to find a solution.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksandr Kuzmuk said it is not for the military to resolve the tension in the country. Ukrainians demonstrating throughout the streets of Kieve insist they will continue to protest until Yushchenko is declared as president.