Ukraine's opposition leader <b>Viktor Yanukovych</b> will win a narrow victory in the country's presidential election, electoral officials say. With more than 99% of votes counted, Mr Yanukovych had a 3.2% lead over his rival, PM Yulia Tymoshenko, BBC reports.

Mr Yanukovych called on Mrs Tymoshenko to quit, but she refused and is expected to challenge the result.

International observers described the vote as an "impressive display of democratic elections". "For everyone in Ukraine, this election was a victory," the observers, led by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, said in a statement. "It is now time for the country's political leaders to listen to the people's verdict and make sure that the transition of power is peaceful and constructive."