Ukraine’s election campaign launched

In Ukraine, 24 political parties have applied to contest the country's parliamentary elections. The elections are to take place on September 30. The deadline for applications passed at midnight on Saturday.

The leading parties have already launched their campaigns.

On Friday, Ukrainian President Yuschenko announced plans to amend the Constitution.

Meanwhile, an exhibition in the town of Lugansk in eastern Ukraine has opened its doors to coincide with parliamentary elections. The collection of political caricatures hopes to raise a few laughs at the expense of the ruling Orange Party.

The focus of this exhibition is political satire – it was set up by supporters from the country's blue opposition group.

It's a collection of political caricatures and artifacts created over the last several years during Ukraine’s turbulent political history.

The display houses some 2,500 items.

Among the exhibits is a map of Ukraine with its eastern part enclosed by barbed wire and NATO troops in the West. They are watched over by the U.S. President.

Some visitors do not agree with this totally anti-orange display – some were eye-witnesses of the orange revolution and have their own opinions.

The opening of the exhibition is well-timed. Election campaigning has just started and every vote counts. The organizers say this is only the beginning. Dozens of mobile exhibitions are ready to tour Ukraine’s cities and villages.