Bogumił Kolmasiak talks with a deputy of L&J for European Parliament, former vice Foreign Minister and a leader of polish observers of ukrainian presidential election, Paweł Kowal.

Paweł Kowal: Election in Ukraine, especially in context of recent election in 2004, are being observed with interest. Ukrainians do have a feeling, that there is too much political fight and too less substantial action in aid of the country. I also think, that there is another kind of tiredness -  with Europe and a feeling that Europe and European Union do not take enough initiative in relations with Ukraine.

PK: Any of presidential or parliamentary election is a choice between those who take part in it. A voter can imagine a candidate to vote on. Candidates have different personal histories, experiences, they are in different age so I think, that everyone has a wide choice so that everyone has a chance to go to a polling station and cross the right name in the list. All the more, that during the campaign Ukrainians could get acquainted with the offer of particular candidates, that has been widely presented both in the streets, as outdoor actions, and in television. TV stations, especially private ones, have been rather presenting only one candidate, who was supported by them.

PK: First exit polls indicate, that there won't be any surprises. First and second place will be taken by Yanukovich and Tymoshenko and between this couple the game for presidency will probably be fight off.

PK: Since tomorrow major talks will have started - who's going to back up who. But, as we know, it's not like candidates can so easily pour votes on one candidate onto another. It's going to be a very determined campaign in the nearest weeks.

There's no such risk for today, although Yanukovich's supporters have prepared proper quantity of tents to pitch in the center of Kiev. No one here expects any extraordinary, emotional incidents. But nobody have doubts that we're going to have 3 weeks of full-blooded electoral campaign.

Add comment

Name (required)

E-mail (required)

Website

Notify me of follow-up comments

Refresh

Send

Cancel