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Ukrainian voters go to the polls Ukrainian voters go to the polls
(20 minutes later)
Ukrainians are voting in the country's first presidential election since the Orange Revolution in 2004 when protests led to the results being overturned.Ukrainians are voting in the country's first presidential election since the Orange Revolution in 2004 when protests led to the results being overturned.
The BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse, in Kiev, says there is much disillusionment among voters over the failure to tackle corruption and links with the EU.The BBC's Gabriel Gatehouse, in Kiev, says there is much disillusionment among voters over the failure to tackle corruption and links with the EU.
If no-one wins more than 50% of the vote, a second round run-off will be held in February.If no-one wins more than 50% of the vote, a second round run-off will be held in February.
Former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych has been ahead in the opinion polls.Former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych has been ahead in the opinion polls.
However, with 18 candidates taking part he is expected to fall short of the 50% threshold.However, with 18 candidates taking part he is expected to fall short of the 50% threshold.
President Yushchenko has been blamed for a lack of reforms in Ukraine
It was Mr Yanukovych's victory in the 2004 election that was annulled by the Orange Revolution.It was Mr Yanukovych's victory in the 2004 election that was annulled by the Orange Revolution.
His nearest rival is current Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.His nearest rival is current Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko.
Analysts have predicted that incumbent President Viktor Yushchenko will be eliminated in the first round.Analysts have predicted that incumbent President Viktor Yushchenko will be eliminated in the first round.
Early turnout in the election was reported to be light.
In the capital Kiev, voters walked to polling stations through light snow.
In the eastern city of Donetsk, one polling station encouraged voters with vodka and sausage.
President Yushchenko cast his ballot at a polling station in central Kiev with his wife, Yekaterina, and their five children.
"Ukraine once again will demonstrate that it is a European democratic country, that it is a free nation, free people and free election," he said.
Warnings of unrestWarnings of unrest
The leading candidates have accused each other of trying to rig the election, and there have been warnings of unrest after the vote.The leading candidates have accused each other of trying to rig the election, and there have been warnings of unrest after the vote.
In an effort to boost confidence in the election, foreign observers have spread out across Ukraine to monitor voting.In an effort to boost confidence in the election, foreign observers have spread out across Ukraine to monitor voting.
Jens-Hagen Eschenbacher, of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, said about 600 OSCE election monitors are in place, as well as thousands of other foreign observers.Jens-Hagen Eschenbacher, of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, said about 600 OSCE election monitors are in place, as well as thousands of other foreign observers.
The Orange Revolution led Ukrainians to expect sweeping changes - integration with Europe and an end to corruption, our correspondent says.The Orange Revolution led Ukrainians to expect sweeping changes - integration with Europe and an end to corruption, our correspondent says.
But the reality has not lived up to expectations and there is widespread disillusionment with politicians across the spectrum, he adds.But the reality has not lived up to expectations and there is widespread disillusionment with politicians across the spectrum, he adds.
Polls close at 2000 local time (1800 GMT).Polls close at 2000 local time (1800 GMT).