The Orange Act of Democracy

America is a country of democracy, freedom of speech and individualism. However, there are societies in which this situation is not the case.

In the early 90s many countries claimed their independance from Russia – the USSR fell apart. Although communism was not the main power in most of them (frankly, that was the reason why the USSR fell apart) the roots were still there. It took much time for things to change.

In 2004 Ukraine had new President’s elections. According to the results, representative of power Viktor Yanukovich had won. Most Ukrainians were not sure of the fairness of this result because they knew how corrupt their society was. It took only one person to realize that change does not come by itself, people must create it. This was a huge change in thinking as people went out to the main square of Kiev to protest, to voice their opinion, to create that change for themselves. The participants of this protest created a tent city in support of their candidate to president’s position – Viktor Yushenko. This is the beginning of The Orange Revolution.

People from all over Ukraine came to support their candidate. They stayed in tents; they sang to keep their spirit up; they drank hot tea to keep themselves warm during that cold winter. I was lucky enough to come to the capital that year. It was remarkable and I could actually feel the spirit of The Revolution. I felt connected to and united with all the people who were standing there, with everyone who supported this act of Democracy. I felt like Ukrainian nation not just woke up but rose up from the ashes. It was useless to continue rejecting the truth at that point: the main committee has agreed on the fact that election results were false and the new election date was chosen.

The protest succeeded and the people got the president they wanted. What did it change other than the country’s leader? First of all, people have realized that they can create their own future. They went out there and said that they wanted the elections to be fair! They were not afraid to express their thoughts for the first time; they have recieved more freedom; they have seen democracy in action and now they know what it is. It is my hope, this experience will not be wasted.

The Orange revolution has increased not only civic awareness in Ukraine in general, but also in other countries. I think, Ukraine has set a great example of peaceful Revolutionary changes.