A member of the regional election commission glues a sticker depicting the flag of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic atop of Ukraine’s state emblem, as he prepares ballot boxes, in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine, on May 10, 2014, on the eve of a referendum on independence. Preparations were in full swing on Saturday for the disputed referendums in the two eastern regions of Donetsk and Lugansk, home to 7.3 million of Ukraine’s total population of 46 million. Voters in Sunday’s referendums will be asked if they support the creation of two independent republics that many see as a prelude to joining Russia, as happened in Crimea. Ukrainian authorities have, however, poured scorn on the planned referendum, saying it is totally illegitimate. AFP PHOTO / GENYA SAVILOV