Darth Vader Is Running For Office In Ukraine, Alongside Yoda And Chewbacca
The Ukrainian Internet Party is fielding an unusual candidate for office this year, backing notorious Sith Lord and Star Wars villain Darth Vader for parliament.
Ukraine’s parliamentary election will be held on October 26, as The Guardian notes. Surprisingly, this isn’t the first time that Darth Vader has appeared as a candidate for office in the Ukraine, and he isn’t the only Star Wars character to make this year’s ballot. As Mashable points out, the Internet Party is also backing candidates named Stepan Chubakka (Chewbacca), Master V. Yoda, and Padme N. Amidala.
As The Huffington Post reports, a series of campaign ads have been released depicting Vader strumming the Imperial March on a traditional Ukrainian instrument, making nationalistic statements, and burying his signature red-bladed lightsaber in the soil. In one ad, Vader removes his helmet, revealing only the back of his head, before asserting his Ukranian nationalism. Imperial Guards, along with Chewbacca, are then shown stroking a series of Ukrainian statues. In another clip, Vader tells his followers not to let anyone eat their salo, a pork dish that is popular in Ukraine.
The Internet Party nominees have all had their names legally changed, according to Ukraine’s Central Election Commission, and will appear on the official list of parliamentary candidates. While little is known about their background, the candidates range in age from 21 to 33. The party’s Star Wars-themed campaign posters have appeared around Kiev, while their social media profiles have grown increasingly popular.
@meganspecia And campaign ads like this all over Kiev. Reads: “Hit the hairy paws of corruption! – Stepan Chewbacca. pic.twitter.com/rCyeq9r7Jk
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) October 10, 2014
Ukraine’s internet party was formed in 2010 by Dmitry Ivanovich Golubov, as The Inquisitr previously reported. While the party’s platform promotes technological innovation and an end to corruption, observers have pointed out that Golubov is allegedly a notorious hacker, having been arrested in 2005 by Ukrainian police on suspicion of trading stolen credit card information.
Darth Vader is running for prez of #Ukraine. Yes, really. I discuss w @GinaGrad @jimmy_dore: https://t.co/a7NhnF54jq pic.twitter.com/d0HUWuVXLM
— Dave Rubin (@RubinReport) October 17, 2014
There are no less than seven candidates backed by the Internet Party using the Sith Lord’s name in the current election. Vader has long been a symbol for the Internet party yet, surprisingly, they aren’t the only political group in Ukraine to take advantage of Anakin Skywalker’s image. Along with others utilizing the images of Spiderman, Wolverine, and Super Mario, a total of 16 candidates using the name Darth Vader have reportedly entered Ukraine’s election.
[Image: Getty via International Business Times]
