Ukraine: Uncertainty surrounds the Presidential elections
Overview:
Despite parliament having increased its power in recent years, the continuing importance of upcoming presidential elections is reflected in the political chicanery surrounding when the election will actually be held and in what form. A move to bring the election forward to October 25 has been blocked. An attempt to downgrade the presidential election from a direct election by the public to one held by parliament also seems to have faltered. At present a direct election to be held in mid-January 2010 appears most likely. Opinion polls continue to suggest that the vote will result in a second-round run-off between current opposition leader Yanukovych and current Prime Minister Timshenko although outsider Yatsenyuk is in with a chance of causing a surprise. Incumbent President Yuschenko is completely out of contention.