KIEV, Ukraine – The liberal, pro-Western opposition in Ukraine seemed mired in confusion yesterday over how to respond to an inconclusive first round presidential vote that international observers said failed to meet democratic standards.

With 94.4% of the vote counted, the pro-Moscow prime minister, Viktor Yanukovich, led with 40.12% while challenger Viktor Yushchenko had 39.15%, the Central Election Commission said. Exit polls also showed a tight race, but with Mr. Yushchenko leading in most cases. With neither candidate clearing the 50% mark, a runoff vote will be held on November 21.

After concluding that the first-round vote did not meet democratic standards, international observers yesterday called on Ukrainian authorities to clean up their act for the runoff.

“Ukraine now has three weeks to show that it is willing to organize democratic elections in accordance with its commitments,” said the head of the delegation from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Doros Christodoulides.

The joint mission representing NATO, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the Council of Europe, and the European Parliament said authorities used their control over the press to bias coverage in Mr. Yanukovich’s favor and used government resources to obstruct opposition activities.

The election was “a disappointment to the international community,” said the head of the NATO parliamentary contingent, Jane Cordy.

America has warned of unspecified punitive measures that would follow any falsification of the vote. Ukraine, which has a brigade of troops in Iraq, is a top recipient of American aid.

Opposition leaders had vowed to bring hundreds of thousands of supporters to the streets if the vote was rigged. But despite allegations from Mr. Yushchenko’s camp that substantial abuses took place during Sunday’s vote, Kiev was calm yesterday and no plans were announced for significant opposition rallies.

After a brief appearance before reporters in the early hours of the day, during which he made no mention of contesting the vote, Mr. Yushchenko remained silent yesterday.

Opposition supporters, many frustrated by the lack of direction from above, waited anxiously for news from the Yushchenko camp.

“We don’t know what is happening or when something will happen,” said the co-ordinator of Pora, a national youth opposition movement, Vladyslav Kaskiv. “Everyone is waiting for a political decision.”

Rumors were circulating that Mr. Yushchenko was in talks with the Communist and Socialist candidates, who split about 11% of the vote between them and could play the role of kingmakers.

Mr. Yanukovich was also believed to be seeking alliances. He had little comment on the results yesterday, saying only that “the vote showed the return of people’s trust in the government.”

With the runoff three weeks away, Ukraine will continue to be gripped by the tension that marked the presidential campaign. Mr. Yushchenko’s supporters have alleged widespread intimidation and government interference in the election, while Mr. Yanukovich accused the opposition of fomenting civil unrest and trying to overthrow the government. Authorities have cracked down on opposition groups in recent weeks, arresting dozens of activists on charges of planning terrorist acts.

Security forces remained out in force in Kiev yesterday, with hundreds of police and soldiers equipped with gas masks and water cannons guarding key facilities. The bitter and often nasty campaign was marked by bizarre twists, including the alleged poisoning of Mr. Yushchenko, who spent three weeks in a hospital after falling mysteriously ill.

It divided Ukraine, with the issue of the former Soviet country’s future geopolitical direction front and center in the campaign. Mr. Yushchenko, a former prime minister and central bank head, has vowed to bring Ukraine into the European Union and NATO, while declaring outgoing President Kuchma’s 10-year-rule authoritarian and corrupt.

Mr. Yanukovich, a blunt former coal mine boss, promised to strengthen ties with Russia and was overtly supported during the campaign by the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, who spent three days in Kiev ahead of the vote praising the government.