Exit polls show that Former Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovich's pro-Moscow party took first place in the parliamentary elections held on Sunday. The poll also showed that the parties involved in Ukraine's Orange Revolution in 2004 will probably win a combined majority of seats.

Yanukovich lost power 16 months ago after allegations of election fraud. Major parties and outside observers reported that, this time, the voting process appears to be fair, Yanukovich's party getting about 1/3 of the vote and the largest share of seats in the Parliament.

The Tymoshenko bloc, an ally of the Orange Revolution, got 22.7% of the votes, while President Viktor Yushchenko's party, one of the Orange Revolution leaders, won only third place, with 15.5%. Discussions will begin immediately after the elections for a majority in Parliament, which can choose the Prime Minister.

"Tomorrow we start consultations with political forces which made up the coalition which was victorious in the Orange Revolution," Yushchenko stated while voting in central Kiev.

The Orange Revolution managed to release Ukraine from centuries of Russian domination, but promises from its leaders were not fulfilled. Monthly wages are only about $150, prices fluctuate constantly while systematic corruption and bureaucracy are still present.

Ukraine's relationship with Russia is uncertain, the latter raising gas prices higher and higher. The future of the country will depend on whether the 2 parties which were involved in the Orange Revolution can restore their cooperation.