The vote was closely watched as a gauge of developing democracy in this former Soviet republic of 45 million, once viewed as being on a steady track toward integration with Europe after the Orange Revolution of 2004.

Framed in that context, the verdict by international observers was devastating.

“Obviously, if you look at the excitement of the Orange Revolution and what it brought about and where we are today, it’s very unfortunate,” said Representative David Dreier, Republican of California, who led an American delegation here.

“When you have political opponents incarcerated, when you have the minority television stations basically kept off the air, these are not positive developments,” Mr. Dreier said. “Democracy is about much more than elections. Democracy is about recognizing the rights of minorities, respecting the rule of law, building Democratic institutions. Unfortunately, we have not heard that taking place here.”

Andreas Gross, a member of the Swiss Parliament who led a delegation to Ukraine from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, said problems were so deep that even calling a new election would not help.

“We have systemic problems,” Mr. Gross said. “To make a new election with the same rules, you get the same result.”