Petro Poroshenko Wins Ukrainian Presidential Election with Decisive Majority

Decisive Electoral Victory

KYIV, Ukraine - May 25, 2014 - Businessman and former Foreign Minister Petro Poroshenko has won Ukraine’s presidential election with a commanding 54.7% of the vote, securing a first-round victory that provides democratic legitimacy to Ukraine’s government amid the ongoing crisis in the country’s eastern regions.

The election, conducted just three months after the ouster of Viktor Yanukovych, represents a crucial step toward political stability and international recognition for Ukraine’s new leadership.

Election Results and Turnout

Final Results:

• Petro Poroshenko: 54.7% (avoiding a runoff)
• Yulia Tymoshenko: 12.8% (distant second)
• Oleh Lyashko: 8.3% (populist candidate)
• Anatoliy Hrytsenko: 5.5% (former defense minister)

The decisive margin meant Poroshenko avoided a second round runoff, providing him with a clear mandate to govern during the crisis.

Poroshenko’s Background

The president-elect brings significant experience to the office:

Business Empire: Known as the “Chocolate King,” Poroshenko built a confectionery empire with the Roshen brand, making him one of Ukraine’s wealthiest individuals.

Political Experience: Served as Foreign Minister (2009-2010) and Trade Minister (2012), bringing diplomatic and economic expertise.

Euromaidan Support: Backed the pro-European protests from early stages, providing financial and political support to demonstrators.

Media Influence: Owns Channel 5 television station, which provided favorable coverage to the Euromaidan movement.

Campaign Promises

Poroshenko’s campaign focused on several key pledges:

Peace in the East: Primary promise to end the conflict in Donbas within weeks, using both negotiations and military force if necessary.

European Integration: Commitment to signing the EU Association Agreement and pursuing eventual EU membership.

Economic Reform: Plans to tackle corruption and modernize Ukraine’s economy.

National Unity: Efforts to bridge divides between different regions and ethnic groups.

My first presidential trip will be to the Donbas. The anti-terrorist operation cannot and should not last two or three months. It should last hours.

Electoral Challenges

The election faced significant obstacles in eastern regions:

Disrupted Voting: Armed groups prevented voting in many areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, reducing participation.

Security Concerns: Violence and intimidation affected the electoral process in conflict zones.

Separatist Opposition: Pro-Russian groups actively discouraged participation and attacked polling stations.

Regional Variation: Turnout was significantly lower in eastern regions compared to western and central Ukraine.

International Validation

The election received widespread international recognition:

OSCE Assessment: Over 3,000 international observers declared the election free and fair despite regional disruptions.

EU Recognition: European leaders immediately recognized the results and pledged continued support.

US Support: Washington welcomed the outcome as validation of Ukraine’s democratic commitment.

Russian Response: Moscow indicated it would respect the “will of the Ukrainian people” while maintaining concerns about eastern regions.

Immediate Challenges

Poroshenko faces urgent priorities upon taking office:

Eastern Conflict: The ongoing armed separatist movement requires immediate attention and strategic response.

Economic Crisis: Ukraine faces potential default and needs international financial assistance.

Constitutional Reform: Implementing promised decentralization while maintaining territorial integrity.

International Relations: Balancing relationships with Russia, EU, and United States during the crisis.

Democratic Legitimacy

The election provided crucial legitimacy benefits:

International Recognition: Clear democratic mandate enhances Ukraine’s standing with Western partners.

Domestic Authority: Electoral victory strengthens government’s ability to make difficult decisions.

Constitutional Order: Restoration of normal presidential succession after months of interim leadership.

Unity Symbol: Despite regional variations, nationwide election demonstrated Ukrainian democracy’s resilience.

Opposition Reactions

Other candidates generally accepted the results:

Yulia Tymoshenko: Conceded defeat and pledged constructive opposition role.

Oleh Lyashko: Accepted results while maintaining criticism of oligarch influence.

Anatoliy Hrytsenko: Called for national unity government to address the crisis.

Minor Candidates: Most accepted the electoral outcome and democratic process.

Economic Implications

Poroshenko’s business background raised both opportunities and concerns:

Investor Confidence: His successful business record could attract international investment.

Conflict of Interest: Questions about separating presidential duties from business interests.

Oligarch Influence: Concerns about concentration of political and economic power.

Reform Credibility: Business experience could enhance economic reform efforts.

Military and Security Priorities

The new president faces immediate security decisions:

Anti-Terrorist Operation: Continuation or modification of military operations in the east.

Military Reform: Modernization of armed forces to address current threats.

Security Services: Reform of intelligence and security apparatus.

International Cooperation: Enhanced cooperation with NATO and Western military advisors.

The election of Petro Poroshenko provides Ukraine with the legitimate leadership needed to navigate this critical period. We look forward to working together.

Regional Peace Initiatives

Poroshenko signaled openness to dialogue:

Negotiation Offers: Willingness to engage with separatist leaders under certain conditions.

Amnesty Proposals: Potential amnesty for fighters who lay down arms peacefully.

Decentralization: Constitutional reforms to address regional autonomy concerns.

Economic Incentives: Investment packages for eastern regions to encourage peace.

EU Association Agreement

The election cleared the path for European integration:

Signing Timeline: Promise to sign the EU Association Agreement that triggered the original crisis.

Implementation Plans: Detailed roadmap for implementing European standards and reforms.

Trade Benefits: Access to European markets for Ukrainian businesses.

Political Association: Closer political ties with European institutions.

Historical Significance

The election marked several important precedents:

Crisis Democracy: Successful democratic transition during active conflict.

Oligarch President: First Ukrainian president with major business holdings.

Post-Revolution Legitimacy: Democratic validation of the Euromaidan outcome.

Wartime Leadership: Election of president during active military conflict.

Future Challenges

Poroshenko’s presidency begins with enormous challenges:

National Reconciliation: Healing divisions between different regions and communities.

Economic Stabilization: Implementing reforms while managing immediate crisis.

Territorial Integrity: Restoring government control over all Ukrainian territory.

International Standing: Rebuilding Ukraine’s position in the international community.

The election of Petro Poroshenko provides Ukraine with democratically legitimate leadership at a crucial moment in its history. His decisive victory offers hope for stability and resolution of the crisis, while his business background and political experience position him to address both immediate security challenges and longer-term reform needs.

However, the new president inherits a country deeply divided by conflict, facing economic crisis, and confronting questions about its territorial integrity and international relationships that will define his presidency and Ukraine’s future direction.