Comedian Zelensky wins the Ukrainian presidency

Ukrainian comedian Volodymyr Zelensky has won a landslide victory in the Ukrainian presidential election.

Zelensky, who dominated the first round of voting three weeks ago, won more than 70% support.

Zelensky, 41, who has no political experience, challenged incumbent president Petro Poroshenko, who had been in power since 2014, and won over 24% of the vote.

Presidential elections in Ukraine
Ukrainian President and Presidential candidate Petro Poroshenko reacts at his campaign headquarters following a presidential elections in Kiev.

The Ukrainian news agency UNIAN reported that Poroshenko, who was running for a new term, conceded defeat and called to congratulate his opponent whilst stressing that he is not quitting politics. He warned that a new inexperienced Ukrainian president could result in the Ukraine quickly returning to Russia’s orbit of influence

The result is being seen as a huge blow to Poroshenko and a rejection of Ukraine’s establishment.

Zelensky is best known for starring in a satirical television series in which his character accidentally becomes Ukrainian president.

The president, with a mandate of 5 years, holds significant powers over the security, defence and foreign policy of the country.

Via BBC/ UNIAN/Politico

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