Polls of 28 experts, conducted by the Center of Political Research at the Philosophy Department of Lviv's Ivan Franko State University, shows that, as of the end of July, Yevhen Marchuk ranks first in Galicia as presidential candidate, with Hennady Udoveno trailing third. Ukrainewide, Oleksandr Moroz emerged as the leading candidate. Experts believe that the current President has had his rating reduced due to the fuel crisis and devaluation of the hryvnia. Only one presidential candidate, Cherkasy Mayor Volodymyr Oliynyk, was not included in the sociological poll. The candidates' chances were assessed on a five-point scale. As to the all-Ukrainian ranking, Leonid Kuchma's popularity has witnessed a dramatic fall: from 4.42 in March to 4.18 in July. This rating list has singled out a group of leaders who will be in fact contesting the president's office: Mr. Moroz, Mr. Marchuk, Oleksandr Tkachenko, and Mr. Kuchma. The figure of Petro Symonenko is also noticeable for a steady high ranking and a sure fifth place, The Day's Mykola SAVELIEV reports.
Polls of 28 experts, conducted by the Center of Political Research at the Philosophy Department of Lviv's Ivan Franko State University, shows that, as of the end of July, Yevhen Marchuk ranks first in Galicia as presidential candidate, with Hennady Udoveno trailing third. Ukrainewide, Oleksandr Moroz emerged as the leading candidate. Experts believe that the current President has had his rating reduced due to the fuel crisis and devaluation of the hryvnia. Only one presidential candidate, Cherkasy Mayor Volodymyr Oliynyk, was not included in the sociological poll. The candidates' chances were assessed on a five-point scale. As to the all-Ukrainian ranking, Leonid Kuchma's popularity has witnessed a dramatic fall: from 4.42 in March to 4.18 in July. This rating list has singled out a group of leaders who will be in fact contesting the president's office: Mr. Moroz, Mr. Marchuk, Oleksandr Tkachenko, and Mr. Kuchma. The figure of Petro Symonenko is also noticeable for a steady high ranking and a sure fifth place, The Day's Mykola SAVELIEV reports.






