(Angus Reid Consultants – CPOD Global Scan) – Many adults in Russia want current prime minister Viktor Yanukovych to win the presidential election in neighbouring Ukraine, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. 51 per cent of respondents think Yanukovych would be better for Russia’s interests, while 10 per cent would prefer opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko.
(Angus Reid Consultants – CPOD Global Scan) – Many adults in Russia want current prime minister Viktor Yanukovych to win the presidential election in neighbouring Ukraine, according to a poll by the Yury Levada Analytical Center. 51 per cent of respondents think Yanukovych would be better for Russia’s interests, while 10 per cent would prefer opposition candidate Viktor Yushchenko.
In the Oct. 31 presidential election in Ukraine, Yushchenko received 39.87 per cent of all cast ballots, with Yanukovych finishing a close second with 39.32 per cent. A run-off took place on Nov. 21, and the Central Election Commission (CEC) originally declared Yanukovych the winner with 49.46 per cent. Russian president Vladimir Putin openly supported Yanukovych in the election.
On Dec. 3, the Ukrainian Supreme Court invalidated the results of the run-off and ordered a special re-vote. After reviewing evidence for five days, the tribunal concluded that loose regulations on absentee votes allowed for ballot-stuffing incidents in some polling stations, and pointed out that Yanukovych enjoyed an unfair advantage in media coverage. The election will take place on Dec. 26.
Yesterday, the two candidates faced-off in a live televised debate. Both contenders appealed for calm during the re-vote. Yushchenko accused Yanukovych and his supporters of “stealing” the Nov. 21 run-off and said, “We have to make sure the Ukrainian president is not elected in Moscow, because these trips to Russia are very humiliating.”
For his part, Yanukovych argued the opposition candidate would be unable to unify the country, saying, “If you win, you can only become president of part of Ukraine.” 45 per cent of Russian respondents believe their country is more democratic than Ukraine.
Polling Data
Which Ukrainian presidential candidate would be better for Russia’s interests?
Viktor Yanukovych | 51% |
Viktor Yushchenko | 10% |
Either | 19% |
In your view, which country is more democratic?
Russia | 45% |
Ukraine | 12% |
Both equally undemocratic | 25% |
Hard to answer | 18% |
Source: Yury Levada Analytical Center
Methodology: Interviews to 1,600 Russian adults, conducted from Dec. 10 to Dec. 14, 2004. No margin of error was provided.
