Music and rallies wrap up campaigning for Ukraine parliamentary election

Ukrainian voters were treated to pop concerts in several cities on Friday, the final day of campaigning for Sunday’s parliamentary election. President Viktor Yanukovich’s ruling Party of Regions put on the rallies in a last ditch attempt to convince voters to help him cement power in the former Soviet republic. Opposition parties held their own events. Many candidates say they have been forced to join Yulia Tymoshenko’s Fatherland party because of a new law that prevents them forming a collaborative bloc. Tymoshenko, who is serving seven years in jail for what her supporters say are trumped up charges, has warned voters of an imminent “dictatorship” if Yanukovich increases his stronghold. Around 3,700 international observers will be monitoring Sunday’s vote. The government has installed cameras at all polling stations. Officials say the election will follow international standards and say they are keen to show Ukraine’s democracy is working. But a report complains of a lack of transparency and claims government resources have been used to favour candidates from the ruling party.