The legislators did that Tuesday, ending a dispute among rival politicians over the timing of what's likely to be a hard-fought contest.

Parliament initially scheduled the vote for Oct. 25, but President Viktor Yushchenko challenged that date. The Constitutional Court agreed and ordered the election be held in January.

Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and other Yushchenko rivals wanted an earlier vote.

Analysts say Tymoshenko fears the economic crisis is eroding her popularity; opposition leader Viktor Yanukovych wants to capitalize on public resentment. Meanwhile, parliament Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn says he'll also bid for the presidency.