Lviv had perhaps the highest level of voter turnout in the elections. Almost three-quarters voted for City Mayor Vasyl Kuibida, over one half of all potential voters. Remarkably, the man has no control over any TV channels, and the municipal newspaper Ratusha has the lowest print run, compared to other periodicals. Worsening living conditions antagonized the electorate against the authorities, yet Kuibida scored a spectacular success. The reason was not any pressure, clever campaigning, or manipulating the election committee, but the fact that, despite unfavorable conditions (Lviv does not have the status or privileges of Dnipropetrovsk, let alone Kyiv), he had made certain headway in the municipal domain. After all, there was no coincidence in Lviv being named City of the Year as part of the Man of the Year Program. The Day has always encouraged the Mayor of Lviv in his innovative endeavors and is happy to use this opportunity to send the warmest greetings on his victory.
Photo by Leonid Bakka, The Day
