Tired of war and economic crisis, the Ukrainians are voting today in local elections, which are a test for the pro-Western President Peter Porosenko but that may enhance the pro-Russian opposition in several sensitive areas of importance. Polling stations opened at 08.00 and closed at 20.00 (GMT). The results will not be known for several days, given the highly complex balloting. The national poll institutes receive no exit poll.
The elections for mayors and municipal councils will be held on separatist eastern areas controlled by the rebels, where the conflict between the pro-Russian militants and Ukrainian troops have killed more than 8,000 people in 18 months. Indication of the fragile ceasefire: the Ukrainian authorities decided for safety reasons not to organize elections in 122 cities that control and are in the front line.
The elections for mayors and municipal councils will be held on separatist eastern areas controlled by the rebels, where the conflict between the pro-Russian militants and Ukrainian troops have killed more than 8,000 people in 18 months. Indication of the fragile ceasefire: the Ukrainian authorities decided for safety reasons not to organize elections in 122 cities that control and are in the front line.