KIEV, Nov. 27 – President Viktor Yushchenko’s party, Our Ukraine, faced a major challenge on Tuesday when it failed to get enough members to show up for an important meeting aimed at supporting a pro-Western coalition.

The meeting, called to emphasize the support of party members for the coalition, failed after only 74 members showed up, falling short of the required 99.

The developments underscore a major split within the party, further undermining confidence in the group that is the main political base of Yushchenko.