(Thumbnail image: The New York Times)

While Americans watched the Super Bowl, Ukraine voters went to the polls to elect a new president. In a major political turn-around, pro-Russia candidate Victor Yanukovich defeated pro-West candidate Yulia Tymoshenko by a margin of less than 3%. 

In the days leading up to the election, Tymoshenko said she believed her rival planned to cheat, and if he won, she would not concede defeat. Even as ballots were still being counted, Tymoshenko called for a re-count, despite the risks the political turmoil could have on a nation hit hard by the global economic crisis.  A move not widely supported -- even in her own party.

“Tymoshenko had instructed her lawyers to prepare to contest the electoral results in court…. some members of Tymoshenko's party disagreed with her, calling instead for her to accept defeat." (CCTV)

Despite Tymoshenko's claims, international monitors called the election “an impressive display of democracy" for being "transparent and honest." A report from ITN notes the idealogical significance of the victory. 

“This, if confirmed, is a major coup for the pro-Russian opposition leader. It marks the failure of the pro-west orange revolution leadership. Promises of 6 years ago haven’t been delivered upon.”

Russia Today critics note the vigor of the 2004 pro-democracy "Orange Revolution"  died down during Ukraine's economic downslide and political infighting made it impossible for Tymoshenko to get anything done as the country's Prime Minister.

“In the last year, the bureaucratic war between them virtually paralyzed the work of Ukraine government and in the midst of a economic crisis, it was disastrous.

Russian President Dimitri Medvedev wasted no time in congratulating Yanokovich on his victory. A blogger for Sky News says the end of the Orange Revolution is a step back for Ukraine. 

“What this means is that talk of Ukraine entering NATO, or the EU, anytime soon is no longer worth discussing. Yanukovich's victory indicates the country will once again be under the spell of a self-serving elite. His policies are also likely to weaken Ukraine's national identity and strengthen Russia's influence.”

So how do you see the upset in the Ukraine?  Frustration from voters who are reeling in the global economic crunch?  Or a deliberate move back toward Russian influence? 

Writer: Erika Roberts

Producer: Newsy Staff