Ukrainian election officials declared Viktor Yushchenko the official winner of a presidential re-run vote, paving the way for the hero of the "orange revolution" to be inaugurated as the third president of an independent Ukraine.
"During the repeat election of December 26, Viktor Yushchenko has been elected president of Ukraine," central election commission chief Yaroslav Davydovich announced to applause and cheers at the end of nearly a seven-hour meeting in Kiev.
Monday's announcement paved the way for parliament to set a date for Yushchenko's inauguration, despite vows by his defeated rival, former prime minister Viktor Yanukovich, to keep up a legal challenge over the election.
