The Orange Revolution: 2004 Presidential Elections(s) in Ukraine

In: Electoral Studies, Band 25, Heft 1, S. 168-177

Abstract

Multiple aspects of Ukraine's 2004 presidential election are studied including the electoral campaigns, the controversy surrounding the initial electoral outcome, & the results of the officially sanctioned outcome between candidates Viktor Yanukovych & Viktor Yushchenko. After providing overviews of Yanukovych's & Yushchenko's respective careers within the Ukrainian political system, the principal issues of the presidential campaign are reviewed, eg, preventing Ukrainian military forces from becoming involved in Iraq & whether Yushchenko's loyalties were to the Ukrainian people or Western companies & nations. Factors that discouraged the international community & the Ukrainian Supreme Court from sanctioning the initial second-round run-off election, in which Yanukovych received 49.5% of the popular vote, are identified; explanations for Yushchenko's majority victory in the second contest are subsequently provided, eg, increasing public support for Yushchenko's political platform in the Central & Northern regions of Ukraine. The election outcomes implications for Ukrainian politics are pondered, & the principal challenges facing the Yushchenko administration are contemplated. Tables, References. J. W. Parker