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Where there is no law, but every man does what is right in his own eyes, there is the least of real liberty
Henry M. Robert

With what? One’s nerve cells or native land?

16 November, 1999 - 00:00

The Day’s stand before October 31 was clearly formulated: without Kuchma and Communists. However, the first round made it clear that either Kuchma or Symonenko tandem was sure to win. Which of the two was the lesser evil? How is Ukraine to be cured of Communism? The electorate found itself faced by the choice: vote for Kuchma and risk having 300 Reds in the next Parliament after strengthening authoritarianism and lumpenization; vote for Symonenko and allow the Communists to rule this country, finally curing this society of all love for the Left? In the latter case the price could well have been too high: ultimate ruin, civil war, and the loss of Ukrainian statehood. Most importantly, the majority choice will have to be paid for by one and all. By making another choice. Following the motto “Hang Myself and Kuchma Be Damned!” (i.e., giving one’s vote to Symonenko) does not look like the best idea. Of course, much will depend on Leonid Kuchma himself: whether he can finally proceed with reform and rid himself of all those political “business” influences.

Be it as it may, the Kuchma-2 variant allows for discussing Ukraine’s chances and scenarios after November 14. But the Communist option would have left no options, period.

Many of our readers wrote to the Editors shortly before the second round, expressing their views very clearly. By publishing some of them we offer you a look at how the people made its choice.

(See page DAY AFTER DAY).

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