The Associated Press has reported that Viktor Yanukovych, the candidate who according to an IFES survey is likely to receive the most votes in the first round of the January 2010 presidential poll in Ukraine, says "the rise of democracy since the 2004 Orange Revolution has not been worth it." The fact is that democracy continues to be the most desirable form of government all over the world. Democracy affirms the place of the individual before the government by elevating him/her to the position of decision maker. It enables a population to change the course of its government by allowing citizens to participate in political matters, elect the leaders they feel will be most beneficial to the country, and hold these leaders accountable through periodic elections. The system also allows citizens to redress their grievances through avenues inherent in a democracy, such as legitimate legal proceedings, civil society participation, and grass roots activism. No other system of government provides such advantages for a population.

It seems Ukrainians are continuing to give democracy a chance. According to IFES' "Public Opinion in Ukraine: Findings from an IFES 2009 Survey," more than nine in ten Ukrainians are dissatisfied with the economic and political situation in the country. Yet, the survey shows that while only 26% of Ukrainians agree that voting gives them influence over decision-making (compared to 47% in the October 2004 survey and 37% in the September 2007 survey), 67% of Ukrainians say they are very likely to vote in the January 2010 election and 21% say they are somewhat likely to do so.