Ukraine opposition hesitant after ruling party win

[October 30, 2012]  KIEV, Ukraine (AP) -- Ukrainian opposition parties are scrambling for position after the ruling party scored a confident victory in parliamentary elections denounced as unfair by international observers.

President Vitkor Yanukovych's Party of Regions was poised to retain its majority of seats in parliament, according to nearly final officials results released Tuesday. But the opposition appeared uncertain about whether to recognize the election and start building a coalition or focus on protesting the results of the vote.

The West has condemned Sunday's election as a step away from democracy with Yanukovych's main opponent jailed and allegations of fraud.

The jailed former premier Yulia Tymoshenko launched a hunger strike to protest the violations. But her most likely partner, the world boxing champion Vitali Klitschko appeared more focused on forging a parliamentary alliance.

[Associated Press]

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