Every vote counts: close race in Ukraine's presidential election

With more than 80% of the votes counted in Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovich has 48.54% to the vote, and less than 4% behind is Yulia Timoshenko with 45.8%.

“I have voted for changes for the better, for stability and a powerful Ukraine”, said presidential candidate Viktor Yanukovich.

“I congratulate everyone on this demonstration of democracy,” said Yanukovich’s opponent Yulia Timoshenko, “When people can easily express their will. I have just voted for a new Ukraine, a happy, powerful, beautiful European country.”

A lot of effort has been made to secure a fair vote. Despite both camps accusing each other of falsifications, both local and international observers have deemed the runoff transparent.

Exit polls suggested Victor Yanukovich's victory. Something Yulia Timoshenko said was too early to call. Unlike the night after the first round of the election, the feeling of triumph is absent.

“The split of three percent in the exit polls is within the margin of error,” added Timoshenko. “Everything will depend on how our team does with the remaining votes yet to be counted. I urge all responsible for it: hold onto every protocol, every document and every vote, because one vote could change the future of Ukraine.”

It was quite the opposite atmosphere in the camp of Viktor Yanukovich. When the presidential candidate took to the stage, he was greeted with a standing ovation.

“I congratulate you and the whole of Ukraine with the victory in the vote,” said Yanukovich. “People wanted a change and in this election we have made the first step towards uniting our country.”

Even though the vote count is almost over, the head of the Central Election Commission has already said that it may take longer than it did during the first time around.

It may take up to a week for the official count to be declared. Meanwhile, the biggest question on everyone’s minds is whether the losing candidate will be able to accept defeat and resist taking their followers to the streets.