Ukraine starts presidential election campaign‎

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A presidential election campaign has kicked off in Ukraine. This is the first contest since Viktor Yushchenko swept into power in 2004.

Leading the most recent opinion polls are Viktor Yanukovych, the incumbent leader's 2004 rival, and Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Analysts, believe the two top contenders will go into a runoff vote. According to a latest survey, Yanukovych is ahead with almost 27 percent of the ballots, while Tymoshenko sits at about 15 percent.

Former parliamentary speaker Arseniy Yatsenyuk is in third place, with 9 percent. Yushchenko, registering a mere 2 percent, appears unlikely to win a second term.

A supporter of Ukraine's President Viktor Yushchenko shaves after  spending the night outside the Central Election Committee building  in central Kiev.REUTERS/Damir Sagolj