The winner of the Ukrainian presidential elections, Viktor Yanukovich, has called on his rival Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko to accept the official election results.

Mr Yanukovich won nearly 49 percent of the votes, three percent more than Ms Tymoshenko. On Tuesday, she announced she would contest the official results. Her close associate, Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Turchinov, said the elections were marred by irregularities. International observers, however, have praised the poll as free and fair. Sources within Ms Tymoshenko's party say it is divided on whether it should continue to contest the election or join the opposition.