More on the "other" half of the vote.
Barring any major developments, that ends the live blogging for today. Our news desk will provide updates on results from the Central Election Commission as they come in tonight.
Good morning. Pro-Europe parties have won a sweeping victory in a crucial parliamentary election that Ukrainians hope will improve stability after a year of turmoil and months of warfare against pro-Russian separatists in the east.
More on Russian accusations that the election campaign was "harsh and dirty." From RT.
It is obvious that the Supreme Rada elections in Ukraine can be considered valid despite a rather harsh and dirty campaign, Russia’s deputy foreign minister has said.
“We expect the official confirmation of the elections result, the information we are getting now is quite controversial. But even now it is obvious that the elections have taken place, despite a hard struggle and dirty tricks,” the Interfax news agency quoted Grigory Karasin as saying.
“The forming balance of forces will probably allow the Ukrainian authorities to deal with some rooted problems in the society,” the senior Russian diplomat added.
Reuters video from Kramatorsk: A day after voting in Ukraine's parliamentary elections, there was a calm atmosphere in the eastern city of Kramatorsk. Ukrainian government forces recaptured the city from pro-Russian separatists in July. Residents interviewed October 27 spoke of their hopes for the future now that the election has been held.
Here's an update from our news desk:
The European Union has hailed the parliamentary election in Ukraine as a victory for democracy and pro-European reforms in the ex-Soviet republic.
European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said in a tweet on October 27: "Congratulations to the people of #Ukraine! Victory of democracy and European reforms' agenda."
Pro-Europe parties won a sweeping victory in a parliamentary election that Ukrainians hope will strengthen the country after a year of political turmoil and months of warfare against Russian-supported separatists in the east.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grigory Karasin said it was clear the election was valid "in spite of the rather harsh and dirty campaign," Interfax news agency reported.
He said the new Rada would have to "start an inclusive dialogue with the entire society."
(AFP, Interfax)
!!! BREAKING !!!
OSCE observers say Ukraine's parliamentary election offered a real choice and "a general respect for fundamental freedoms."
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says Russia hopes the Ukrainian parliamentary election will allow for the formation of a government that will be constructive and not intent on confrontation.
(Reuters, AFP, Tass)