Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich’s Party of the Regions is set to return to power, but the triumph could be marked with an asterisk, given that his main rival and former president, Yulia Tymoshenko, is in prison on debatable charges of corruption. Even though officials have promised integrity of the proceedings, in keeping with international standards, and the suppression of systemic abuses, the elections will be monitored with interest by the international community.
There is a lot at stake for the people of Ukraine, a country rich in natural resources. Internationally, their taking over of the chair of the human rights and security body in January must also be justified. Ukraine must be seen to be hurtling towards a democracy rather than being a “dictatorship” which, according to general perception, it might become under the tenure of Yanukovich.
The thought of this scenario, where constitutions are changed and manipulated to extend control, has galvanised popular Ukrainian public figures — boxer Vitaly Klitschko and former footballer Andriy Shevchenkeo being among them — to enter the political arena with a view towards offering hope.
Should he win, Yanukovich will be keen to scrutinise the report tabled by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe. It should rouse him into correcting the negative international perception that has been formed in the West and especially in Europe.
Rampant corruption and a glaring governance deficit, where the needs of the people have been overlooked at the expense of the requirements of the rich, have dragged his reputation down further.
Yanukovich must realise the importance of mending fences, particularly with the European Union and neighbouring Russia. At home, the answer to all woes must be reforms. The people must be won over in order to ensure longevity in office.
