The first round of presidential elections in Ukraine will take place on January 17th.

Ukrainian political analysts believe that Yulia Tymoshenko and Viktor Yanukovych have the best chances to make it to the second round of the elections.

Both candidates have served as prime minister and both can boast pro-Russian orientation in foreign policy.

[Volodymyr Fesenko, Political Analyst and Director of “Penta”]:
"They are most likely to pass to the second round. And both candidates are already working to rally voter support. That means, that they are competing already in the first round of elections."

The big gap between the top two favorites and the remaining candidates leaves them room for only third place.

[Volodymyr Fesenko, Political Analyst and Director of “Penta”]
"The gap between other candidates, who are competing now, probably for the third place, and the two favorites is large enough. So, there are very-very few chances that they will overcome this gap in a month, which remained up until the date of the first round."

Some political scientists believe the existence of the two favorites is a result of political manipulation and does not reflect the people’s preference.

[Valery Bebik, Head, Ukrainian Association of Political Sciences]:
"Now we have two candidates from two oligarchic groups, imposed by sociologists and party cadres. I understand that everyone works for the money they get, but they are imposing them on us, saying that it must be Viktor Yanukovych or Yulia Tymoshenko."

As to the current president, political analysts do not expect him to even make third place.

Recent polls show that Ukrainians are increasingly inclined to believe their country needs a so-called "strong hand." And some of them even do not mind if this hand will belong to a female for the first time.

[Vladimir Kaplun, Resident of Kiev]:
"I think Yulia will lead to change. And she will carry out the plans she is talking about. She is a strong, powerful woman. We need such a president next year."

Recent data shows the number of people willing to vote has dropped to about 57% of the population. Some consider the elections unimportant.

[Lyudmila Golota, Resident of Kiev]:
"We need parliamentary elections, because presidential elections do not resolve anything."
 
For others it is just a day off, and they are not planning to come to electoral booths.

[Uncle Lesha, Resident of Kiev]:
"I expect it to be a good opportunity to leave Kiev with my family for a remote village, 240 kilometers from Kiev. And finally, to enjoy life."

According to sociologists' data from November-December of 2009, approximately 25% of the people are ready to vote for Viktor Yanukovych, 19% for Yulia Tymoshenko, and less than 4% for the current president Viktor Yushchenko.
 
NTD, Kyiv, Ukraine