The presidential election campaigns have begun in Ukraine. On Saturday evening, tens of thousands of Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko's supporters gathered on the spot where the Orange Revolution began five years ago.

The prime minister was cheered after her party choose her as its presidential candidate. The prime minister wants Ukraine to join the European Union without turning its back on Russia. Her main rival is former prime minister Viktor Yanukovych, a former communist who is trying to shake off his pro-Russian image.

Incumbent President Viktor Yushchenko, who is pro-Western, is unlikely to be re-elected. The elections are due to be held on 17 January.

The Orange revolution was a series of peaceful protests against massive fraud which took place during the second round of the 2004 elections. After three months of civil disobedience the Supreme Court ruled the run off results null and void. President Yushchenko came to power after a re-run of the poll.
 

Photo: Tymoshchenko supporters in Kiev - EPA/ANP