Presidential candidates will spend at least USD 1 billion on election campaign in Ukraine

He said that such an amount would be spent during the first and second rounds of presidential election. “If the campaign [lasts longer], this sum could be even higher,” he said.

“The candidates have already spent tens of millions of dollars over the last months, i.e. before the official start of the election campaign. In my opinion, main [election] headquarters will spend at least USD 100,000, and probably several hundred million dollars,” Chernenko said.

According to the Central Election Commission, around 30 people are planning to participate in the election as presidential candidates.

November 13 is a deadline set by law for the registration of presidential candidates.

The presidential election campaign in Ukraine started on October 19. The election is scheduled for January 17, 2010.