The Ukrainian Communist Party (CPU) nominated its leader Petro Symonenko for president at an extraordinary, the 47th, congress in Donetsk on March 25. Symonenko's nomination was supported by 203 delegates, 23 abstained, and two voted against [the nomination], the party press service reported.
“I thank the comrades present here for their confidence and support. I will apply as much effort as I can for our victory,” Symonenko told the audience.
Taking part in the congress were 228 delegates from all regions of Ukraine. Symonenko himself chaired the event.
“The party forum’s main duty was to articulate the CPU’s position regarding the future presidential elections and the nomination of a party candidate. The delegates also discussed a broad range of other important issues,” it said.
Early presidential elections in Ukraine are scheduled for May 25.
UDAR party leader Vitali Klitschko, former first Deputy Prosecutor General Renat Kuzmin, former Kharkiv regional administration head Mykhailo Dobkin, Right Sector radical group leader Dmytro Yarosh, Party of Regions leader Sergiy Tigipko, and All-Ukrainian Jewish Congress President Vadym Rabynovych earlier announced their intention to run for president.
