Written By Ken Hulsey
In 2014, it may be hard to believe, but a man in a Darth Vader costume actually ran for president of Ukraine. I first wrote about this bizarre story eleven years ago, after stumbling upon it in the Huffington Post.
Back in 2010, a group of Ukrainian activists formed the United Internet Party, dedicated to lowering taxes, downsizing bureaucracy, and banning the sale of GMO products. In 2014, the party tried to gain international attention by running Darth Vader as their presidential candidate, even insisting that Vader was the party's true nominee.
To add to the weirdness, the party also ran candidates for parliament dressed as Chewbacca, Padmé Amidala, and Yoda. The "Vader" candidate even addressed the Ukrainian congress, declaring: "I alone can make an empire out of a republic, to restore former glory, to return lost territories and pride for this country. I am prepared to take responsibility for the fate of this country, if fellow citizens do me this high honour."
Unfortunately, Vader's campaign was derailed when the party refused to reveal his true identity, and he was denied a spot on the ballot. Undeterred, the party then ran Vader for mayor of Odesa and Kyiv, where he organized drives to hand out essential supplies like canned food, matches, and lightbulbs. In a bizarre publicity stunt, Vader even led a group of Stormtroopers to raid a convenience store allegedly selling illegal drugs.
In hindsight, one can't help but wonder if a Ukraine led by Darth Vader might have fared better over the past decade than one led by a former comedian. Imagine the debates - "I find your lack of faith disturbing" - a line that would surely leave any opponent gasping for air. And the Russians? They likely would have thought twice about invading a country run by the Dark Lord himself.
Alas, the Vader campaign was ultimately derailed, and I can't help but wonder - where is he now? Wouldn't it be something if he were to reappear and lead the Ukrainian army to victory over Russia?
Unfortunately, Vader's campaign was derailed when the party refused to reveal his true identity, and he was denied a spot on the ballot. Undeterred, the party then ran Vader for mayor of Odesa and Kyiv, where he organized drives to hand out essential supplies like canned food, matches, and lightbulbs. In a bizarre publicity stunt, Vader even led a group of Stormtroopers to raid a convenience store allegedly selling illegal drugs.
In hindsight, one can't help but wonder if a Ukraine led by Darth Vader might have fared better over the past decade than one led by a former comedian. Imagine the debates - "I find your lack of faith disturbing" - a line that would surely leave any opponent gasping for air. And the Russians? They likely would have thought twice about invading a country run by the Dark Lord himself.
Alas, the Vader campaign was ultimately derailed, and I can't help but wonder - where is he now? Wouldn't it be something if he were to reappear and lead the Ukrainian army to victory over Russia?
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