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Steady Turnout of Early Voters in Eastern Ukraine Steady Turnout of Early Voters in Eastern Ukraine
(about 2 hours later)
DONETSK, Ukraine — A steady stream of voters turned out at several polling stations on Sunday for snap elections intended to legitimize two self-declared new countries in eastern Ukraine, a showing that will aid the secessionist cause. DONETSK, Ukraine — A steady stream of voters turned out at several polling stations Sunday for snap elections intended to legitimize two self-declared new countries in eastern Ukraine, a showing that will aid the secessionist cause.
At polling stations in Donetsk, the provincial capital of one of the two regions holding referendums, all the ballots visible in the clear boxes had votes supporting local autonomy.At polling stations in Donetsk, the provincial capital of one of the two regions holding referendums, all the ballots visible in the clear boxes had votes supporting local autonomy.
The turnout here was no guarantee that people in towns elsewhere would also show support for the separatists, and even in Donetsk, many who favored Ukrainian unity said they would stay home rather than vote. The turnout in the capital was no guarantee people in towns elsewhere would also show support for the separatists, and even in Donetsk many who favored Ukrainian unity said they would stay home rather than vote.
Voting in Slovyansk was orderly, with polling sites across the city busy in the morning as voters formed lines dozens deep.Voting in Slovyansk was orderly, with polling sites across the city busy in the morning as voters formed lines dozens deep.
Ballots were visible in tall transparent boxes, and the overwhelming number of them were marked “yes” in support of the referendum’s sole question. But the number of voters at polls seemed to thin by early afternoon, and with only a few hours left, voter lists visible on tables suggested a light turnout — perhaps 30 percent or less. Ballots were visible in tall transparent boxes and the overwhelming number of them were marked “Yes” in support of the referendum’s sole question. But by early afternoon, the crowds had dissipated, with only a few hours left, voter lists visible on tables showed a turnout no higher than 30 percent.
Many expressed disgust with the interim government in Kiev and exasperation with the instability brought about by the revolution that overthrew President Viktor F. Yanukovych in February. Many at the polls expressed disgust with the interim government in Kiev and exasperation with the instability brought about by the revolution that overthrew former President Viktor F. Yanukovych in February.
“My government bombed me, so of course I’m for the referendum,” Viktor Ritko, a pensioner, said. “I want to go there, where life is better, and not live anymore with these fascists.” “My government bombed me, so of course I’m for the referendum,” said Viktor Ritko, a pensioner. “I want to go there, where life is better, and not live anymore with these fascists.”
But even supporters of the referendum strained to explain what, exactly, they were voting for.But even supporters of the referendum strained to explain what, exactly, they were voting for.
“The new authorities should have come here first to explain to the people what they want and to ask what we want,” said Roman Gersh, an unemployed auto mechanic who voted in favor of the referendum at School No. 18. “I want a united Ukraine, but with a government that listens to the people.”“The new authorities should have come here first to explain to the people what they want and to ask what we want,” said Roman Gersh, an unemployed auto mechanic who voted in favor of the referendum at School No. 18. “I want a united Ukraine, but with a government that listens to the people.”
“Call our country Zimbabwe, as long as we live normally and have jobs,” he added.“Call our country Zimbabwe, as long as we live normally and have jobs,” he added.
Still, the vote on Sunday showed that the rebels have some support in Slovyansk, although nowhere near the “100 percent” predicted on Saturday by the city’s self-appointed mayor, Vyachislav Ponomaryov, and despite more than a whiff of intimidation provided by gunmen stationed inside many polling places. Sunday’s vote showed the rebels have some support in Slovyansk, although nowhere near the “100 percent” predicted Saturday by the city’s self-appointed mayor, Vyachislav Ponomaryov, and despite more than a whiff of intimidation provided by gunmen stationed inside many polling places.
As rumors spread about fixed results, election officials were nonchalant about the potential for fraud in such hastily organized conditions. In Slovyansk, anyone with proof of residence elsewhere in the Donetsk region could fill out a brief form and receive a ballot.As rumors spread about fixed results, election officials were nonchalant about the potential for fraud in such hastily organized conditions. In Slovyansk, anyone with proof of residence elsewhere in the Donetsk region could fill out a brief form and receive a ballot.
“We watch who is coming, and see that they’re normal people who wouldn’t vote again elsewhere,” said Vitaly A. Vyadkin, chairman of polling site No. 141200 in the Lenin Palace of Culture in Slovyansk. “Although in principle, it’s possible.”“We watch who is coming, and see that they’re normal people who wouldn’t vote again elsewhere,” said Vitaly A. Vyadkin, chairman of polling site No. 141200 in the Lenin Palace of Culture in Slovyansk. “Although in principle, it’s possible.”
The United States and European nations say they have no intention of recognizing the ad hoc vote, no matter the results, calling it illegal and likely only to worsen the lethal violence in Ukraine’s east.The United States and European nations say they have no intention of recognizing the ad hoc vote, no matter the results, calling it illegal and likely only to worsen the lethal violence in Ukraine’s east.
Ballots for the “people’s republics” of Donetsk and Luhansk were created on copiers. In one city, voting booths consisting of red drapes stapled to wooden frames were thrown together on Saturday, and an election organizer in Donetsk said he was sure the vote would count because there was no rule for a minimum turnout. Ballots for the “people’s republics” of Donetsk and Luhansk were created on copiers. In one city, voting booths consisting of red drapes stapled to wooden frames had been thrown together Saturday, and an election organizer in Donetsk said he was sure the vote would count because there was no rule for a minimum turnout.
Separatist groups in eastern Ukraine conducting the voting on Sunday said they were as unfazed by the monumental task ahead as they were by the international condemnation of elections that many outsiders said could not possibly be free and fair amid the chaos enveloping the region.Separatist groups in eastern Ukraine conducting the voting on Sunday said they were as unfazed by the monumental task ahead as they were by the international condemnation of elections that many outsiders said could not possibly be free and fair amid the chaos enveloping the region.
Despite their slapdash nature, the elections pose a risk of escalating the smoldering conflict in Ukraine by entrenching the political wings of pro-Russian militant groups, while putting the interim government in Kiev, the capital, in the awkward position of arguing against what organizers describe as a democratic votes.Despite their slapdash nature, the elections pose a risk of escalating the smoldering conflict in Ukraine by entrenching the political wings of pro-Russian militant groups, while putting the interim government in Kiev, the capital, in the awkward position of arguing against what organizers describe as a democratic votes.
In Kiev, Sergiy Pashinskiy, the acting chief of staff for Ukraine’s presidential administration, denounced the vote on Sunday.In Kiev, Sergiy Pashinskiy, the acting chief of staff for Ukraine’s presidential administration, denounced the vote on Sunday.
“The so-called referendum in Donetsk and Luhansk regions is an attempt by the terrorists to cover up their crimes,” Mr. Pashinskiy said. “In fact, there is no referendum taking place. This is nothing more than an information campaign by terrorists.” “The so-called referendum in Donetsk and Lugansk regions is an attempt by the terrorists to cover up their crimes,” Mr. Pashinskiy said. “In fact there is no referendum taking place. This is nothing more than an information campaign by terrorists.”
No balloting was taking place in two-thirds of the eastern regions, he said, and those leading the separatist balloting elsewhere would be prosecuted.No balloting was taking place in two-thirds of the eastern regions, he said, and those leading the separatist balloting elsewhere would be prosecuted.
“Officials of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions participating in this criminal act will be brought to justice in accordance with the laws of Ukraine,” Mr. Pashinskiy said. “Officials of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions participating in this criminal act will be brought to justice in accordance with the laws of Ukraine,” Mr. Pashinskiy said.
Roman Lyagin, the chairman of the central election committee of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Republic, had expressed the opposite view on Saturday. “The results will legitimize us before the world community,” Mr. Lyagin said at a news conference in Donetsk.Roman Lyagin, the chairman of the central election committee of the self-proclaimed Donetsk Republic, had expressed the opposite view on Saturday. “The results will legitimize us before the world community,” Mr. Lyagin said at a news conference in Donetsk.
Mr. Lyagin said he had printed 3.1 million ballots that pose one question: “Do you support the act of self-rule for the People’s Republic of Donetsk?” He said polling here would take place at 1,527 sites, including hospitals and schools, that will be secured by police sympathetic to the cause and volunteers. Pro-Russian activists in the Luhansk region to the east said they had made similar arrangements for a vote.Mr. Lyagin said he had printed 3.1 million ballots that pose one question: “Do you support the act of self-rule for the People’s Republic of Donetsk?” He said polling here would take place at 1,527 sites, including hospitals and schools, that will be secured by police sympathetic to the cause and volunteers. Pro-Russian activists in the Luhansk region to the east said they had made similar arrangements for a vote.
But even in Donetsk, the wording had people baffled. Some interpreted the question as a vote for more local autonomy, some for independence and still others as a step toward inviting annexation by Russia, following the example set in Crimea. But even in Donetsk, the wording had people baffled. Some interpret the question as a vote for more local autonomy, some for independence and still others as a step toward inviting annexation by Russia, following the example set in Crimea.
In Kiev, Ukraine’s acting president, Oleksandr V. Turchynov, called the secession votes in the east “a step into the abyss” that threatened to escalate the violent clashes over the fate of eastern Ukraine into a civil war. Mr. Turchynov is urging talks with eastern leaders to defuse the conflict.In Kiev, Ukraine’s acting president, Oleksandr V. Turchynov, called the secession votes in the east “a step into the abyss” that threatened to escalate the violent clashes over the fate of eastern Ukraine into a civil war. Mr. Turchynov is urging talks with eastern leaders to defuse the conflict.
In an indication of the uncertainty surrounding the elections, voting started early Saturday at one school in Donetsk for reasons that were unclear. And after armed men threatened to kill a principal in the Luhansk region who did not want voting at her school, the central government said education officials should not take risks to oppose the polling.In an indication of the uncertainty surrounding the elections, voting started early Saturday at one school in Donetsk for reasons that were unclear. And after armed men threatened to kill a principal in the Luhansk region who did not want voting at her school, the central government said education officials should not take risks to oppose the polling.
The two provinces that will vote are predominantly Russian-speaking, but that does not guarantee a majority would want to secede from Ukraine. A poll by the Pew Research Center released this month indicated that 70 percent of respondents in eastern Ukraine favored keeping the country united, 18 percent favored the right to secede, and the remainder were undecided. The two provinces that will vote are predominantly Russian speaking, but that does not guarantee a majority would want to secede from Ukraine. A poll by the Pew Research Center released this month indicated that 70 percent of respondents in eastern Ukraine favored keeping the country united, 18 percent favored the right to secede and the remainder were undecided.
Those conducting the plebiscite in Donetsk said they were leaving plenty of flexibility for future changes. Those conducting the plebiscite here in Donetsk said they were leaving plenty of flexibility for future changes of course.
“We win the right for self-determination,” Mr. Lyagin said. “The next step will be another referendum when we ask, ‘Do we want to join Russia? Or, do we want to join Ukraine? Or do we want to become an independent state?’ There are many possibilities.”“We win the right for self-determination,” Mr. Lyagin said. “The next step will be another referendum when we ask, ‘Do we want to join Russia? Or, do we want to join Ukraine? Or do we want to become an independent state?’ There are many possibilities.”
At the news conference, Mr. Lyagin again underscored the narrative of the pro-Russian groups here that their movement was grass-roots and that, while embracing the Russian flag as a symbol, it was not beholden to Moscow. At the news conference, Mr. Lyagin again underscored the narrative of the pro-Russian groups here that their movement is grass-roots and that, while embracing the Russian flag as a symbol, it is not beholden to Moscow.
The opinion of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, who on Wednesday asked the separatists in eastern Ukraine to delay their referendums, was less important, he said, than the opinions of residents here. “We don’t owe anybody anything,” Mr. Lyagin said.The opinion of President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia, who on Wednesday asked the separatists in eastern Ukraine to delay their referendums, was less important, he said, than the opinions of residents here. “We don’t owe anybody anything,” Mr. Lyagin said.
It remains unclear what Mr. Putin’s motives were for suggesting a delay, but the central Ukrainian government is convinced the leaders of the self-proclaimed republics are fronts for a Russian intelligence operation to destabilize Ukraine. After weeks of unrest in the east, pro-Russian groups occupy administrative buildings in about a dozen towns, control some highways and have full control over Slovyansk. It remains unclear what Mr. Putin’s motives were for suggesting a delay, but the central Ukrainian government is convinced the leaders of the self-proclaimed republics are fronts for a Russian intelligence operation to destabilize Ukraine. After weeks of unrest in the east, pro-Russian groups occupy administrative buildings in about a dozen towns, control some highways, and have full control over Slovyansk.
“We are completely ready for the referendum,” Slovyansk’s mayor, Mr. Ponomaryov, said at a news conference on Saturday. “Necessary spaces, voting booths and ballot boxes have been prepared. All organizational questions have already been resolved.” “We are completely ready for the referendum,” Slovyansk’s mayor, Mr. Ponomaryov said at a news conference Saturday. “Necessary spaces, voting booths and ballot boxes have been prepared. All organizational questions have already been resolved.”
Shortly after his remarks, however, a work brigade was seen constructing wood-frame voting booths.Shortly after his remarks, however, a work brigade was seen constructing wood-frame voting booths.
Hours after that, at midnight, fighting broke out on the outskirts of the city, beginning with a series of explosions. Gunfire erupted a few minutes later, and for roughly an hour, machine-gun fire and occasional explosions echoed. It was not clear exactly what had been attacked, but by 1:30 a.m., there had not been any action against the rebel-occupied buildings in the city’s center, where the referendum was scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. Hours after that, at midnight, fighting broke out on the outskirts of the city, beginning with a series of explosions. Gunfire erupted a few minutes later, and for roughly an hour machine-gun fire and occasional explosions echoed. It was not clear exactly what had been attacked but by 1:30 a.m., there had not been any action against the rebel-occupied buildings in the city’s center where the referendum was scheduled to begin at 8 a.m.
A State Department spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, said the United States would not recognize the results of the votes. She said the referendums “by armed separatist groups are illegal under Ukrainian law, and are an attempt to create further division and disorder,” adding that if they proceed, “they will violate international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”A State Department spokeswoman, Jen Psaki, said the United States would not recognize the results of the votes. She said the referendums “by armed separatist groups are illegal under Ukrainian law, and are an attempt to create further division and disorder,” adding that if they proceed, “they will violate international law and the territorial integrity of Ukraine.”
It remained unclear if those in the east who oppose breaking from Ukraine would even turn up to vote, since many of them also consider the election — as well as their unrecognized new countries — illegitimate. But one who did was a 75-year-old woman in Slovyansk who declined to give her name. It remained unclear if those in the east who oppose breaking from Ukraine would even turn up to vote, since many of them also consider the election — as well as their unrecognized new countries — illegitimate. But one who did was a 75-year-old woman in Slovyansk who declined to give her name. “I don’t agree with this torment, there should just be one Ukraine,” she said gesturing toward the gunman on the steps of the school where, she said, she had just voted in opposition to the referendum. “I want one president, not internal conflict. I’ve passed through it all, and now I just want to die in peace.”
“I don’t agree with this torment; there should just be one Ukraine,” she said, gesturing toward the gunman on the steps of the school where, she said, she had just voted in opposition to the referendum. “I want one president, not internal conflict. I’ve passed through it all, and now I just want to die in peace.”