Former Ukrainian prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko has urged Ukrainians to cast their ballots in parliamentary elections.
A posting on her Web site says that high turnout will help reduce the scope of abuses.
“Everyone should fight the dictatorship the way he or she can. This is a cause for all and everyone of us. That is why I am now addressing all Ukrainians – go to the elections! Your massive turnout may become an antidote to abuses, our personal contribution to removing [Ukrainian President Viktor] Yanukovych and his entire criminal family from power,” Tymoshenko wrote.
“Only blind and deaf people can call these elections fair and independent whoever may win them. And the main thing is that all independent observers, all journalists, all politicians, all diplomatic missions working in Ukraine and also all our citizens are aware of instances of massive irregularities. And just because everyone knows that massive abuses are a reality, these elections can never be recognized as lawful,” Tymoshenko thinks.
“If you reconcile yourselves with all this political humiliation, it means you deserve such a life. Follow the example of the nations and peoples that have beaten dictators even at the price of their own lives. I am with you in this struggle with all my heart,” she noted.
