Electoral authorities said that with almost two-thirds of yesterday's vote counted, Yanukovych had 43.3 percent and Yushchenko 36.2 percent.
More than 50 percent was needed for a first-round victory.
Yanukovych, the pro-Russian candidate backed by Ukraine's ruling party, and the Western-leaning Yushchenko are now expected to face off in a second-round vote 21 November.
The vote was held without major violence, but observers alleged numerous apparent electoral violations during the election to replace outgoing President Leonid Kuchma.
Voter turnout was put at around 75 percent.
(AP/ITAR-TASS/AFP)
More than 50 percent was needed for a first-round victory.
Yanukovych, the pro-Russian candidate backed by Ukraine's ruling party, and the Western-leaning Yushchenko are now expected to face off in a second-round vote 21 November.
The vote was held without major violence, but observers alleged numerous apparent electoral violations during the election to replace outgoing President Leonid Kuchma.
Voter turnout was put at around 75 percent.
(AP/ITAR-TASS/AFP)
