Being Darth Vader

Being Darth Vader

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Darth Vader was bent on galactic domination, but his Ukrainian namesake enjoys more mundane pursuits - local politics, walking the family dog and embroidery.

. Odessa, UKRAINE. Reuters/Valentyn Ogirenko

The Ukrainian citizen, who officially changed his name to Darth Mykolaiovych Vader, is a regular sight around Odessa, a major port city on Ukraine's southern Black Sea coast.

. Odessa, UKRAINE. Reuters/Valentyn Ogirenko

Never without his famous masked helmet and floor-length black cape, Vader ran in October for the post of mayor as head of the Internet Party of Ukraine backed up by a phalanx of party members dressed as Stormtroopers.

. Odessa, UKRAINE. Reuters/Valentyn Ogirenko

The Sith Lord beat out more traditional candidates to place 15th out of 42 candidates in the mayoral race, while an online petition to appoint him prime minister later gained more than 25,000 signatures.

. Odessa, UKRAINE. Reuters/Valentyn Ogirenko

His popularity is likely less a result of any significant support for the Dark Side among average Ukrainians than a sign of public frustration with the political status quo amid economic crisis and a violent separatist conflict.

. Odessa, UKRAINE. Reuters/Valentyn Ogirenko

When not campaigning for public office, Vader enjoys embroidering cushions and caring for his dog and cat in the large apartment he shares in Odessa with his wife and children.

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. Odessa, UKRAINE. Reuters/Valentyn Ogirenko
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. Odessa, UKRAINE. Reuters/Valentyn Ogirenko