widespread fraud

The senior US observer, influential Senator Richard Lugar, commented that: "It is now apparent a concerted and forceful program of election-day fraud and abuse was enacted with either the leadership or cooperation of governmental authorities."

In Kiev's Independence Square, meanwhile, opposition supporters massed in the bright orange colour of Yushchecnko's campaign promised to carry on their protests until victory.

"I'm going to stay here until the end," pledged 49-year-old Serhiy Krasny. "How else can we defend our rights? We have a right to make our own choice."

sg.news.yahoo.com