World News Ukraine OKs electoral reforms

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KIEV (AP) - Ukraine's parliament adopted a package of electoral and constitutional changes Dec. 8 that many hope will pave the way for a fair ballot Dec. 26 in a repeat of disputed presidential elections.

The vote was hailed in Ukraine and abroad as a breakthrough in the crisis that has split the country into two polarized camps and fueled Cold War-like rhetoric between Russia and the West.

The package was approved in a 402-21 vote with 19 abstentions. The parliament reshuffled the Central Election Commission, which was widely discredited during the recent Nov. 21 presidential runoff that was marred by allegations of fraud

Members of parliament stood and cheered as the package was approved. Outside, Ukraine's opposition lifted its blockade of government buildings and demonstrators expressed their relief.

The Supreme Court had earlier thrown out the official results of the presidential runoff in which Kremlin-backed Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych won narrowly over opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko, making way for a rerun.

ウクライナ、選挙法改正案可決

大統領選をめぐる混乱が続くウクライナで、同国議会は8日、選挙法改正案を可決した。

Shukan ST: Dec. 17, 2004

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