Yuschenko accuses rival of vote stealing

Ukraine’s two rivals for the presidency clashed in a heated televised debate today before a re-run of their disputed election, with opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko (pictured) accusing his rival of vote stealing.

Ukraine’s two rivals for the presidency clashed in a heated televised debate today before a re-run of their disputed election, with opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko accusing his rival of vote stealing.

The 100-minute debate was marked by several sharp exchanges and finger-pointing, but Yushchenko and Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych shook hands cordially when it ended, maintaining a controlled tone for most of the session.

As they traded accusations, Yanukovych tried to be more conciliatory.

“Whoever wins, I think, we should hold a forum of national accord,” he said, urging Yushchenko to pledge not to contest the official results of the December 26 vote.

“If you win, I will recognise (your victory), if I win – you will,” Yanukovych said. “And then, you and I, are working to form a normal government of national concord.”

The debate was the first since the Supreme Court annulled the November 21 presidential run-off following allegations of widespread fraud.

The electoral campaign has been marked by tension following massive street protests and revelations that Yushchenko was poisoned by dioxin in September. During the debate, however, neither candidate mentioned the poisoning that left Yushchenko’s face pockmarked and disfigured.

Yushchenko was more aggressive during the encounter, pointing his finger at his rival and clenching his fists. At times, he slashed his hand through the air and expressed incredulity toward his opponent.

Yanukovych appeared more defensive, standing up straight and occasionally shifting his weight.

“You’re a religious person, right? Thou shalt not steal … And then you stole three million votes,” Yushchenko said, wearing a tie and handkerchief in his campaign colour of orange.

Yanukovych countered: “Your accusations toward me and toward my voters don’t give us the chance to look into the future optimistically.”

He suggested a Yushchenko victory would endanger the country’s unity.

“If you win the vote you will only be the president of part of Ukraine,” he told his rival. “I am not struggling for power – I am struggling against bloodshed.”

The bitter campaign has split the country between the eastern, Russian-speaking industrial heartland that backs Yanukovych, and other regions backing the Western-leaning reformist Yushchenko.

“We have to discuss how to unite Ukraine and not divide it,” said Yanukovych, who enjoys strong support from Russia.