Ukraine voted today in a crucial election that seemed certain to see a resurgence of Russia-backed forces and mark a step back from the pro-West ideals that piloted the "Orange Revolution" liberals to power.
As he cast his ballot, sporting a bright orange tie, President Viktor Yushchenko said talks would start immediately after the election to form a government restoring the shattered coalition of liberal parties that backed the heady street protests of December 2004.
"Tomorrow we start consultations with political forces which made up the coalition which was victorious in the Orange Revolution," he said.
But he was aware that much depended on the outcome and that disillusionment over his record has left his Moscow-backed rival, Viktor Yanukovich, poised to bounce back on the political scene.
Pre-poll surveys say Mr Yanukovich's Regions Party is sure to grab the biggest share of the vote. Mr Yushchenko's Our Ukraine party is second with the bloc of Yulia Tymoshenko, his one-time ally, in third place.
Though his own job is not in the balance, if the Regions Party makes strong gains Mr Yushchenko will probably have to reach an understanding with the man he humiliated in a presidential poll re-run in late 2004.
Mr Yanukovich, beaming, said little as he voted, but was clearly confident. "There will be a victory," he said.
The parliament will for the first time have powers to appoint the prime minister, steward of Ukraine's rocky economy.
At stake is the fate of a country of 47 million, whose "Orange" leaders have been unable to deliver on promises after prising Ukraine loose from centuries of Russian domination and setting it on a course for joining the European mainstream.
Optimism, generated by the turfing out of the pro-Moscow old guard, has evaporated amid slow growth and infighting. Though Ukrainians now enjoy total freedom of expression, monthly wages stand at only $150. Prices fluctuate erratically.
A maddening bureaucracy dating from Soviet times, frustrates activities like drawing pensions and getting medical care. Western investors are wary of uncertain stability.
Ties with Russia remain unsteady. A New Year deal pushed gas prices sharply higher, ending a confrontation which briefly cut supplies to Ukraine - and Moscow's European customers.
Forty-five parties are running, but polls show only five to seven will clear 3 per cent to enter the 450-seat assembly.