Darth Vader has been named presidential candidate for the Ukraine Internet Party. Which also includes Chewbacca, apparently (Picture: Reuters)

There’s an unlikely new candidate in the running for president of Ukraine – and he comes in the shape of Darth Vader.

Not content with intergalactic domination, the Sith Lord – well he claims to be, anyway – has entered the presidential race as the candidate for the Ukrainian Internet Party (UIP), and as a result will face the public vote on May 25.

And Darth – or at least whoever it happens to be under those robes and that mask – said he was prepared to ‘take responsibility for the fate of the country’.


‘I alone can make an empire out of a republic, to restore former glories, to return lost territories and pride for this country,’ Vader said in a statement.



It’s not the first time that the Star Wars stalwart has been involved in political shenanigans in Ukraine.

The latest Star Wars movie is just a few months away from production (Picture: AP)

As well as being seen in Kiev’s Independence Square during the protests this winter – Vader also made a bid to become mayor of Odessa late last year, after being carried to the city hall by stormtroopers.

Meanwhile, further reports suggest that as well as his pledge to restore Ukraine to its former glories, his presidential demands also include a plot of land where he can park his spaceship.

The bizarre bid for presidency comes in the wake of growing excitement over Star Wars Episode 7, which is due to begin filming in May.

Latest casting rumours suggest that Abrams may opt entirely for unknown actors to fill the cast, in order to ensure fans aren’t ‘taken out’ of the Star Wars universe whilst watching the film.