Darth Vader may seem the lesser evil for some Ukranians

The Bihar elections, with its array of formidable ‘bahubalis’, cannot hold a candle to the local elections in Ukraine this month where Odessa has the most fearsome Sith Lord himself as a candidate. It is not inconceivable that having failed in his much publicised bids to rule the Galactic Empire, Darth Vader would try his hand in Ukraine, with 16 registered in that name contesting in last year’s polls, including the presidential contest.

Clearly, last year’s loss in the presidential elections forced him to set his sights on Odessa’s more modest elected office, but its importance should not be underestimated. Many consider the nation to be teetering on the dark side anyway, and fear it may eventually be swallowed up by chaos; so, Vader may seem the lesser evil for some Ukranians.

At least Vader’s promises focus on key local issues such as free Wi-Fi — which has been an emotive issue in some Indian elections as well — and regaining control over Crimea. However, the fact that his faithful aide Chewbacca was arrested this week for being unable to prove his identity shows that Ukraine is no walkover, even though a statue of Lenin there has recently been given a makeover to look like Vader, with Wi-Fi installed in his helmet to allegedly communicate with other Sith when the time is right.