Ukrainians headed to voting booths on Sunday as snap polls were called to end months of political turmoil that has paralysed the country's government.

More than 43% of the 37 million eligible voters had cast their ballots by 5 pm local time, with voting precincts closing as late as 10 pm local time to boost participation.

The deadlock between pro-Western president Viktor Yushchenko and pro-Russian prime minister Viktor Yanukovich became unbearable and a third election in as many years was called to break it.

The two men have been bitter rivals even before the contested 2004 presidential election, won by Yanukovich, but which was later proven to be rigged.

Yushchenko won the subsequent repeat poll, but his supporters failed to win a majority in last year's parliament elections and the pro-Russian faction installed Yanukovich as prime minister.

Analysts have warned that a repeat outcome is still possible, likely even, which raises the spectre of continued political infighting.

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