Prime Minister of Ukraine and Party of the Regions leader Viktor Yanukovych announced that his candidacy is now being discussed, among other things, as a single contender from the centrist political forces in the forthcoming presidential elections. He is ready to run for president if a decision is made to this effect, Interfax-Ukraine quotes the premier as saying on October 9 in an interview with the leading US media. “As to my nomination, it will be discussed by a number of political parties allied with the Party of the Regions, which I lead. This issue has not yet been discussed, a debate is underway today on nominating one candidate on behalf of the bloc of the parties. My candidature is also being discussed,” the Ukrainian premier said, emphasizing that if such a decision is made, he “will surely participate” in the elections. Mr. Yanukovych also said he favored the creation of equal conditions for all the presidential candidates. “I am sure each candidate should enjoy equal conditions. The elections should be democratic, and the Ukrainian people should have correct information,” Mr. Yanukovych said.
