Observers arrive in Ukraine to monitor election

International observers have begun arriving in Ukraine for Sunday's parliamentary election. Representatives from the EU and NATO will meet with election officials and visit polling stations to see that voting is fair. The previous parliament was dismiss

About 40 observers from different organisations are coming to Kiev for the early election. 
 
About 300,000 people are expected in Independence Square to hear the election results.  It's feared there could be trouble if they suspect the election was rigged.
 
Meanwhile, leaders of the major political parties have arrived in Kiev for a final burst of campaigning.
 
Party supporters have been on the streets waving flags and taking part in colourful rallies.
 
Analysts say politicians are increasingly relying on marketing tricks and PR techniques to get their message across.
 
The Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich broadcast a half-hour documentary about himself on state television.
 
Yulia Timoshenko met Margaret Thatcher in London last week and told her that real ladies don’t do U-turns. The former British Prime Minister responded by saying she hoped elections in Ukraine would be free and fair.

“I wish for Ukraine to quickly complete its transformation and for its people to enjoy the benefits of a prosperous democratic nation at the heart of a modern Europe,” she said.

In August, President Yushchenko showcased his iron fists by extinguishing forest fires in the Ukrainian countryside. After that, he wanted to sack two Ministers for negligence.

They ignored his orders and carried on campaigning against the Ukrainian President.

It would be easy to think that businesses have shut down in Ukraine for the elections.

Posters and stickers with party symbols are everywhere.  TV astrologists promise long-term prosperity to the people of Ukraine if they are ruled by a woman.  Governors in the east of the country are painting voting booths in blue to support their favourite party.

But despite the blanket coverage, many Ukrainians are suffering from election fatigue and turnout for Sunday's poll is expected to be low.

It’s the forth time in three years that Ukrainians are being asked to go to the polls. Many complain that the money spent on election campaigns would be better used for healthcare, education and other social needs.

An independent survey suggests 42 per cent Ukrainians believe Sunday's election will fail to bring any changes.  Only 28 per cent believe the vote might have a positive impact on the country's political crisis.