Signs of the Times

In the early part of this year, Ukraine's current president, Victor Yushenko found himself in a tight spot. He didn't have enough allies in parliament to accomplish much of anything. And to make matters worse, his enemy, both politically and personally was gaining power weekly. His enemy was his defeated opponent in the 2004 election, Victor Yanokovich. In that campaign Yushenko was poisoned and went to another country for better medical care to save his life.
Yushenko gave an order to dissolve parliament and called for new elections for parliament members. Ukraine has 450. Some are elected. Some are appointed. There was an argument about the legality of his order. In the end his decision won out. Elections are supposed to be held on September 30th.
At first, it seemed like nothing had changed. In the 2004 election big billboards showed the gigantic photo of the government-sponsored candidate, advertising all his good qualities. No other political advertising was seen. This time when the pictures of just Yushenko began to appear, I wondered where the other parties were and where the proclaimed democracy and freedom of speech were.
But things have definitely changed. Almost every party has billboards. Most of them have the giant photo of their foremost leader. . . all except Yushenko's enemy and the communists.
Here are pictures of some of the billboards and their slogans.



The Communist party did not get the 5% of the vote in the last elections, required to be represented in Parliament. Parliament made a new law so that the Communists could still be a part.
The slogan says,"For the people's ownership. Now it's a complete dictatorship. It's time to choose honest leaders!"




The socialist party's sign declares "Rights and leadership are the place of the citizen!"

The speaker of the parliament, Litvin, asks for votes: "Order in the parliament; order in its domain."

Vitrenko has her own socialist party that leans heavily toward Russia. Her slogan, "Ukraine, Russia and Belorussia; together we are a power!"

Timushenko was dismissed from her position as prime minster by Yushenko. Her slogan is:"Carry your proposition in, 'the strategical Ukrainian breakthrough!' " Along the bottom an additional motto: "Justice for everyone"

Yanokovich's picture is conspicuous by its absence, especially since it was so prominent last election. His sign simply says: "A happy family, a successful nation."




Yushenko's signs are full of what he expects to do. Strip immunity from parliament members. Increase pensions. Have one law for all classes, including parliament. Increase benefits for long-time workers. This one says: "15,000 griven (3,000 dollars) for the birth of the second child."