Tags: EU | Ukraine | Election

Ukraine's Presidential Vote Pits Comedian against Incumbent

Ukraine's Presidential Vote Pits Comedian against Incumbent

Sunday, 21 April 2019 01:38 AM EDT

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 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


GlobalTalk
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...
EU,Ukraine,Election
122
2019-38-21
Sunday, 21 April 2019 01:38 AM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
 
TOP

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved