Observers hail Ukraine election as ‘genuine’
By Nataliya Vasilyeva, The Associated Press
KYIV, Ukraine – International observers have hailed Ukraine’s presidential vote as a “genuine election,” saying it was held freely and fairly.
Joao Soares, special co-ordinator of the OSCE observer mission in Kyiv, said the vote was held “largely in line with international commitments” and said the Ukrainian authorities should be commended for their efforts to hold a vote in the unstable security environment in the east.
Soares said the OSCE did however report multiple instances of threats, intimidation and abduction of election officials in the east, which is overrun by pro-Russian militia.