Yevhen Marchuk Urges Other Candidates to Follow His Example

Coming from one of the serious contenders in the forthcoming presidential race, this statement made many analysts rack their brains. It did not seem to fit into the pattern of current Ukrainian politics (especially considering his publicity potential as head of an influential parliamentary faction). Mr. Marchuk declared: "Despite the fact that Parliament is still to approve the presidential election bill, the election campaign has actually begun. It is being carried out rather actively by the executive and a vivid demonstration took place in Electoral District No. 221 in Kyiv. They have opened an underground election headquarters, receiving instructions from the center (and this is something future historians will have sort through, in terms of their being constitutional or otherwise). Gradually, law enforcement agencies are getting involved, also something to be considered in the course of future historical research. In other words, we are all witness to presidential operations being in full swing.

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