Victor Yanukovych Heading to Be Next Ukraine President

With nearly complete results, Ukraine’s Russian-leaning opposition leader Victor Yanukovych seems to be on his way to become country’s president, reported The Guardian.

Report said that Yanukovych had a narrow two-point lead over his bitter rival, the prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko.

With 94% vote counted, Yanukovych, who has 48.23% against 46.14% for his long time rival Tymoshenko, seem to be heading for a comeback, said report.

It may be mentioned that exit polls last night had projected him to be ahead by four points.

However, closeness of the finish sets the scene for a major political battle in Kiev, report said.

Report said that Tymoshenko declined to concede defeat last night and is now certain to appeal in court, alleging fraud by Yanukovych’s camp.

A gap of less than 3% between the two candidates has been described by Western officials as the ‘worst-case scenario’, report said.

In a TV interview, Yanukovych claimed victory last night, saying: “I think Yulia Tymoshenko should prepare to resign. She understands that well.”

He also said that as president his priority would be to restore the economy.

“I will carry out the reforms that will allow us to overcome soon the consequences of the economic crisis,” he was quoted as saying.

He describing the vote as a ‘turning point in our country’s history’ and said that he would follow policies that helped all Ukrainians – and not favour one geographical area.

“We don’t need to find enemies in our country. We need to unite together,” he was quoted as saying.