OSCE, EU, US: Ukraine Election is a Step Backwards

International observers say Ukraine's recent parliamentary elections were a backward step for democracy, marred by "the abuse of power and the excessive role of money". The statement from the regional security body OSCE came as early results pointed to a win for President Viktor Yanukovych's Party of Regions. Opposition leader and ex-prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko remains in prison. Mrs Tymoshenko has announced a hunger strike over alleged vote rigging and is only drinking water. "One should not have to visit a prison to hear from leading political figures," the OSCE said. EU diplomats are concerned about the worsening state of Ukraine’s democracy in the aftermath of Sunday’s parliamentary election, officials in Brussels said. The US State Department also expressed concern that the elections were a step backwards from progress made during previous parliamentary elections and the 2010 presidential election.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-20120888
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/9d3f1a70-21a7-11e2-9cb4-00144feabdc0.html
http://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/op-ed/us-state-department-ukraines-election-is-a-step-backwards-315251.html