Ukraine's ruling "Party of regions" has secured its position after the parliamentary elections held on Sunday, early results have shown. After counting 20% of votes the Party of Regions has gained 37,57%. The opposition party "Batkivshina" has narrowed the gap, gaining 20,6% of votes. The country's Communist party has third place so far gaining 15,54%, Ukraine's Central Election commission announced.

Vitaliy Klichko's party "Udar" is in fourth place gaining 12,34%.

The biggest surprise during this vote is that for the first time in Ukraine's history, the ultra- right wing nationalist party "Liberty" passed to the parliament, as it has already gained 7,06%.

There are several reasons for this: first was the turnout which was higer in the western Ukraine, traditionally known for its nationalistsic views. Also, there was that general tiredness of "the old opposition" among the Ukrainians who wanted to vote for someone "new."

Other parties failed to get 5% of votes- a barrier which lets a party to the parliament, the Rada.

According to the results of the vote, 450 deputies will be elected for the next five years.