International observers monitoring Ukraine’s parliamentary election have hailed the vote as a step forward in building democratic standards despite the unrest in eastern Ukraine.

Kent Harstedt of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe said today that yesterday’s election offered voters a real choice and showed “respect for fundamental freedoms.”

Partial results released today show two reformist, pro-Western parties jointly leading the vote count. Negotiations on forming a broad coalition are expected to begin immediately and last no more than 10 days.

There were few disturbances and isolated incidents on election day.  Leading up to the election, there were instances of intimidation and the targeted destruction of some campaign property.