Ukraine's presidential rivals in dispute over poll results

PRESSURE WAS growing on Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko last night to accept defeat to opposition leader Viktor Yanukovich after official results in a presidential election gave him a narrow victory and international organisations called for a peaceful transition of power.

With almost 99 per cent of votes counted, Mr Yanukovich had 48.7 per cent against 45.8 per cent for Ms Tymoshenko, a difference so small that several analysts predicted the prime minister would challenge the results in court or with street protests.

Ms Tymoshenko’s aides have accused her rival’s team of committing violations at at least 1,000 polling stations, but her grounds for complaint were undermined by a glowing report from monitors led by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

“Yesterday’s vote was an impressive display of democratic elections. For everyone in Ukraine, this election was a victory,” said the monitoring group, which included representatives of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the Nato parliamentary assembly. “It is now time for the country’s political leaders to listen to the people’s verdict and make sure that the transition of power is peaceful and constructive.”

Assen Agov, head of the group of Nato parliamentarians, increased pressure on Ms Tymoshenko by saying: “Normally for the good of the nation, the one who loses shakes hands with the one who wins.”

Matyas Eorsi, leader of the Council of Europe’s monitors, added: “What is important is that the loser keeps in mind the need for stability in the country.”

Ms Tymoshenko (49) cancelled a press conference yesterday and gave no sign that she would admit defeat. Her website continued to carry messages urging supporters to “fight for every vote” and comments from an analyst saying a court challenge to the results would be justified.

The European Union – which was a staunch supporter of Ms Tymoshenko but grew weary of her incessant squabbling with outgoing president Viktor Yushchenko – also praised the conduct of the election and looked ahead to future co-operation with Ukraine.

“The European Union remains committed to deepening the relationship with Ukraine and supporting it in implementing its reform agenda,” said EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton.“It looks forward to working with the new president to this end,” said EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton.”

Mr Yushchenko and Ms Tymoshenko vowed to move Ukraine away from Russian influence and towards the EU when they came to power through the Orange Revolution, a wave of huge rallies in winter 2004-05 that overturned a fraudulent presidential election “victory” for Mr Yanukovich.

However, the pair’s paralysing power struggle stymied reform, allowing Mr Yanukovich to mount a comeback.