Yanukovich and Tymoshenko win first round of presidential elections in Ukraine

Central Election Commission of Ukraine said 66.72% of voters participated in the voting process and more than 60% of ballots were counted. Yanukovich won 36.38% of votes and Tymoshenko – 24.42%. Former chairman of the National Bank and former minister of economy Sergei Tigipko was third with 13.21%. Former chairman of the Ukrainian parliament Arseniy Yasenyuk gained 6.84%, incumbent president Victor Yushchenko - 4.98%, leader of Communist Party Pyotr Symonenko – 3.62% and chairman of the parliament Vladimir Lytvyn – 2.37%.

According to exit poll, Yanukovich won 31.3%, Tymoshenko – 27.1%, Tigipko – 13.4%, Yasenyuk – 7.8%, Yushchenko – 6%, Symonenko – 2.7%, Lytvyn – 2.4%.

Deputy chairman of the Central Election Commission Andrei Magera said final official results would be clear within 24 hours. According to him, voters’ turnout was reduced compared to previous elections.

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