Presidential Eelectionsin Ukraine: Conflicts and Challenges

With Viktor Yushchenko's convincing victory, Ukraine has entered a new phase in the post-Soviet era. Even as commentators continue to discuss the election, several questions arise. What factors contributed to the victory of Yushchenko and why did Viktor Yanukovich lose? Why was there such a great interest by Russia and the west in the election? What are the challenges the country might face in the near future?