|
Kiev: Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said on Thursday that the December 7 early election he had called was 'no tragedy' and urged voters to look upon the third such ballot in as many years as a vital part of democracy.
Yushchenko named the day while on a visit to Italy, a day after he told Ukrainians he had abandoned the search for a viable coalition in parliament.
He blamed Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, his estranged ally from the 2004 "Orange Revolution", for the break-up of a coalition that emerged from the pro-Western upheaval which swept him to power.
Speaking to reporters in Rome, Yushchenko said Ukraine would have faced "anarchy" had he failed to act. "Leaving everything in a state of uncertainty would truly have pushed an institute like parliament into chaos," he said.
"I would not like millions of Ukrainians to see this early election as a tragedy of some sort. We live in a democratic country and democracy is like a lady who has an answer to any question. She has neither weapons, nor cannons, nor tanks, but she always comes up with an answer."
Yushchenko said parliament would proceed with necessary measures to finance the campaign - after which his decree would be published.
Tymoshenko's government, he said, would stay in place. "I believe there is no need for any revisions," he said.
Voters were clearly angry at the prospect of another poll. "I will not be voting. How many times are we expected to do this?" said Natalya, a pensioner.
Independent analyst Oleksander Dergachyov said the election would do little to remedy underlying political problems.
"The crisis will reappear in a different format, maybe less acute," Dergachyov said. "But the problems will remain: a vague distribution of powers and an unstable administration."
Fact file: key players in the fray
Yulia Tymoshenko, Prime Minister (46): The former gas tycoon-turned-social crusader was allied with Yushchenko during the 2004 revolution. She was appointed a second time in December, 2007.
Viktor Yushckenko, President (54): The former central bank chief was poisoned in the 2004 presidential campaign. Popular support ebbed as his aim of turning Ukraine into a modern state gave way to infighting.
Viktor Yanukovich, Opposition leader (57): He was initially declared the winner of the rigged 2004 presidential election, but lost the re-run. He made a comeback in 2006. He has warmer relations with Russia.
|
