Ukrainians are voting in parliamentary elections seen as a test of the democratic credentials of a nation that seesaws between European democracy and Russian authoritarianism.
With temperatures unseasonably warm, Ukrainians are voting to renew all 450 seats in parliament. The election comes halfway through the five-year presidency of Viktor Yanukovych. Many Ukrainians say the vote will frame the future of democracy in Ukraine, the second-largest country after Russia to emerge from the Soviet Union.
They say a strong showing for opposition candidates on Sunday will limit the ability of President Yanukovych to take new authoritarian steps.
