The first round of the Ukrainian presidential election predictably ended with two leaders: ex-Premier Viktor Yanukovych and the incumbent Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Tymoshenko. The runoff, most likely to take place on February 7, will dot the i’s and cross the t’s.
The main characteristic of this presidential campaign is that most Ukrainian voters were “programmed” to cast their ballots for only two candidates. A good old spin doctor’s technique that has once again proved its worth. Most of those who visited the polling stations actually cast their ballots for these two candidates, although there were eighteen candidates on the list.
A number of observers who watched the electoral process on Sunday noted Serhii Tihipko’s breakthrough. His placing third was sensational. Of course, this achievement was the result of spin doctoring; Tihipko’s campaign wasn’t aggressive, although his campaign rhetoric included the need to have an iron hand in power.
Be that as it may, neither Serhii Tihipko nor Arsenii Yatseniuk will make it to the runoff.
Viktor Yushchenko. Placed fifth which is a C minus for his five-year performance as head of state.
There isn’t much to be said about the candidates who will compete in the runoff. Their campaigns were professionally managed but remained aloof from daily life, from what the Ukrainian in the street actually wants and expects. There were the usual cliches rather than fresh ideas, trite declarations rather than reforms that are so badly needed in Ukraine.
It is safe to assume that Ukraine has never encountered so many problems, internal and external challenges since the declaration of its national independence. Judging by the results of the first election round, either Yanukovych or Tymoshenko will have to solve these problems — both of whom have occupied the prime minister’s seat. Does this mean that we are consciously repeating old mistakes every year? Maybe. The only consolation is that making mistakes is better than doing nothing. This presidential election was destined to mark the beginning of the end of yesterday’s politicos and herald the coming of a new kind of politicians whose campaign ratings — even if second/third best — are hope-inspiring.
Kostiantyn Matvienko, an expert with the Strategic Consulting Corporation Gardarika, said: “This was the most thoughtless and senseless presidential campaign in the history of [independent] Ukraine. It marked the triumph of spin doctor’s techniques over politics as such.”
