Political tensions in Ukraine are increasing as the country’s Supreme Court considers claims of fraud in the recent presidential elections. Opposition leader Viktor Yushchenko wants the victory of his rival, Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych, in the November 21 run-off to be annulled and a new vote held on December 12. The Ukrainian parliament has declared the election results invalid and called for an immediate overhaul of the central election commission. International observers have backed the claims of fraud and the European Union has already called for the election to be held again. Yushchenko’s team has submitted thousands of allegations of ballot-rigging in eastern Ukraine. The court has begun hearing his appeal, but any ruling is expected to take at least several days.