OSCE hails Ukraine snap poll as democratic overall

KIEV, Oct 1 (Reuters) Ukraine's pre-term parliamentary polls were conducted mostly in line with its international commitments and standards for democratic elections, Europe's main democracy and security body, the OSCE, said today.

''The field of contestants offered voters a diverse choice of 20 political parties and electoral blocs, which were registered in a generally inclusive and transparent process,'' the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe said in a statement.

''Freedom of assembly and expression were respected. Election day was calm and overall voting and counting were conducted in an orderly and transparent manner. There were no apparent regional disparities.'' REUTERS SKB BD1639