№ 6 - 1999
Tolpygo A.K.
Interpretation of the Ukrainian Presidential Elections of 1999

Specifics of the recent presidential elections in the Ukraine are analyzed. These elections, in the author’s opinion, indicate that the Ukraine is growing more balanced in her preferences. L.Kuchma, the author believes, gained due to the combination of two factors: intense support on the part of the western regions of the country; and «neutrality» of those rest. Whereas at previous elections, it had been active support on the part of the Levoberezhye («left-Banke» Ukraine, or eastern part of the country) that used to prove decisive for the victory of a runner for presidency, this time, instead, it was, unprecedentedlly for the new Ukrainian history, the western regions that voted in «their» candidate.