4 Apr – A man dressed as Darth Vader, the helmeted villain of "Star Wars", is running for president at the upcoming Ukrainian presidential election this May 25. Accompanied by a group of Stormtroopers and even Darth Maul from the popular sci-fi franchise, Vader whom has often been sighted as one of the protesters at Kiev's Independence Square, is the official candidate of the Ukrainian Internet Party (UIP), confirms The Guardian. The party which is known for its theatrics, had even paid the registration fee of USD226,412 so that Vader could officially contest. "I am ready to take responsibility for the fate of the state if countrymen will have me in such a high honour," said Vader in his official statement and public address. "I alone can make an Empire out of a Republic. Restore former glory, to return lost territories and pride for this country."
The identity of the man behind the mask is unknown. Local media had reported that he has also demanded for a plot of land to park his mode of transportation, a spaceship. After a serious of tumultuous events resulting in riots and protests, former leader Viktor Yanukovych had been ousted from his presidency hence the upcoming snap elections for a new replacement for the troubled country. The Ukrainian Internet Party was registered in 2010. Some of its party objectives include creating an electronic government with everything transitioning to digital media. It also aims to offer free computer courses to all Ukrainians. In other related news, the new movie "Star Wars: Episode VII" will be released in 2015 and will be set 30 years later from the events of "Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi". No word as of yet if presidential candidate Darth Vader will be involved with the film.
You can watch the video of Darth Vader's public address here:
Photo credit: Reuters and Getty Images.