Show Time in Kiev

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Byline: Ariel Cohen, SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON TIMES

Sunday is the show time in Kiev. Presidential elections will define Ukraine's political course. Moreover, they will decide whether Ukraine faces the West or Russia for years to come. The United States has a lot at stake in the outcome.

In the first round of voting Oct. 31, the Kremlin's preferred candidate, former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych lost by one-half of 1 percent to opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko - according to the government-controlled Central Electoral Commission. Western observers and independent pollsters gave a stronger victory to Mr. Yushchenko, of between 4 percent to 6 percent. The most recent opinion poll gave Mr. Yushchenko a 5 percent lead.

The race is tight, but due to widespread election fraud instigated by Yanukovych supporters and Mr. Yushchenko's inadequate access to government-controlled TV, …