The hidden side of politics

Ukraine’s presidential vote pits comedian against incumbent

Reported by Washington Times:

KIEV, Ukraine (AP) – Polls have opened in Ukraine’s presidential runoff pitting the incumbent against a comedian who plays the role of Ukraine’s president in a TV sitcom.

Opinion surveys ahead of Sunday’s vote have shown President Petro Poroshenko trailing far behind comic actor Volodymyr Zelenskiy, reflecting public dismay with endemic corruption, a moribund economy and a five-year fight against Russia-backed insurgents in the country’s east.

Zelenskiy got twice as many votes as the incumbent in the first round three weeks ago. Like his sitcom character, a school teacher thrust into the presidential seat after a video of him blasting corruption goes viral, Zelenskiy has focused heavily on fighting graft.

The campaign was marked by fierce mutual criticism and showy jockeying for dominance.

Copyright © 2019 The Washington Times, LLC.

Source:Washington Times

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