The Force is strong with this one

Anyone who has followed the events in Ukraine over the past six months knows that the country is in turmoil. A strong leader could help turn things around. Enter Darth Vader.

After being thwarted in his presidential bid by the government who blocked his candidacy, Darth Vader is now running for mayor in Kiev. Really.

Earlier this month, the local election commission or Kiev-Odessa approved the application of a costumed man known only as Darth Vader. Running under the Internet Party of Ukraine, Vader has taken to the streets to promote his candidacy.

Much like every other candidate, he spends a considerable amount of time shaking hands and kissing babies of potential voters. The only difference is that he is accompanied by Storm Troopers and occasionally sits on plastic replica of the throne used by the real Darth Vader.

“I alone can make an empire out of a republic, to restore former glory, to return lost territories and pride for this country,” he said in an official statement.

And why not? Vader has considerable experience helping run the Galactic Empire, which governed some 500 worlds. Admittedly, he failed to put down the rebellion that deposed Emperor Palpatine, but Kiev is relatively stable and unlikely to be affected by the uprising in eastern Ukraine.

Although some proclaim that the Vader candidacy is merely a joke, the campaign is very well financed. With slick videos, full-sized billboards and campaign posters that read, “Strongman. Politician. Father,” voters are starting to pay attention.

According to some polls, Vader is running just a few percentage points behind former boxer Vitali Klitschko, who currently leads the field of 19 candidates.

His most recent bid for power began with a write-in campaign during the November 2012 parliamentary elections. Vader garnered 3% in that election though he did not actually appear on the ballot. He was often seen at Independence Square in Kiev during the protests against the then-president Viktor Yanukovych this past winter.

Whoever is behind the mask is taking the election seriously. “They stole my victory at the presidential elections, but failed to steal my will for the victory. I assure all my supporters – my decisiveness has never been stronger than it is now.”