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Update:
Kiev: parliament says poll invalid
Ukraine's parliament has ruled that last week's presidential election was invalid. The resolution passed by a large majority, as did a vote of no confidence in the electoral commission which declared Prime Minsiter Viktor Yanukovich the winner. The vote has no official consequences, since parliament does not have the authority to nullify the election. It does, however, carry significant political weight.
Opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko has not accepted the outcome and has called for a new election within two weeks. Dutch Foreign Minister Bernard Bot said today that the European Union supports a new election, preferably before the end of the year.
Opposition leaders as well as foreign observers reported widespread irregularities during Sunday's polling. Thousands of demonstrators have gathered outside the parliamentary building to voice their support for Mr Yushchenko. There is also a large demonstration in the capital in support of Mr Yanukovich.
(rnw.nl)
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