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Ukraine police clash with protesters over vote result

03 November 2012 17:54 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Police in Ukraine have clashed with demonstrators over the disputed parliamentary election results, days after the countryâ€™s ruling party claimed victory, APA reports quoting Press TV.

Late on Thursday, hundreds of protestors gathered outside government buildings in the southern Ukrainian town of Pervomaisk to show their anger over the alleged vote rigging in the elections in which pro-Russia Party of the Regions claimed victory.

Riot police used tear gas to disperse protesters, but there were no reports of injuries.

Millions of Ukrainians cast their votes on a single day of voting to elect lawmakers On October 28.

The legislative polls were seen as a test for Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich and his ruling party’s commitment to democracy and European values amid criticism at home and abroad over his policies.

Yanukovich’s drive to centralize power and crackdown on opposition movements have led to popular discontent and a dramatic slide in support for his government.

The jailing of the leader of the United Opposition Fatherland coalition Yulia Tymoshenko on charges of abuse of office has also increased resentment against the ruling administration and helped to consolidate dissident groups.

Yanukovich, who has been president for three years and could be re-elected in 2015, has rejected calls to free his rival, arguing that she was sentenced by an independent court.