How comedian used humor to win presidential elections amid crisis

Popular TV actor and comedian Volodymyr Zelensky campaigned on promises to clean-up the government, and despite his complete political inexperience, was still elected president of Ukraine by a corruption-weary electorate willing to try anything new.

The 41-year-old political newcomer won 73.2% of the vote while incumbent Poroshenko won 25.3%, according to an exit poll from Ukraine’s state broadcaster Ukrinform. It was the second round of elections.

Zelensky’s rise to power is a testament to voters’ deep-rooted disappointment in the governing class, disgust over rampant corruption, and a flagging economy.

The incumbent, Petro Poroshenko, conceded the elections after exit polls showed his rival winning the runoff by a landslide with 73 percent of the votes on Sunday. Zelensky easily won the first round of voting on April 1.

Zelensky on Sunday declared victory in Ukraine’s presidential elections.

“We did it together. Thanks to everyone! Now there will be no pathetic speeches, I just want to say — thank you,” said Zelensky amid loud cheers from supporters.

Zelensky, a professional comedian, rarely appeared in public during the presidential campaign and rarely gave interviews. Instead, he campaigned using online videos featuring song and dance acts meant to entertain.

Among Zelensky’s promises: Ukrainian membership in the European Union; a bill “On People’s Power” that will provide a mechanism for referendums; bills to fight corruption; efficient trial by jury and salaries for military personnel equivalent to NATO’s.

He also said that if Ukrainians will notice his new government “works honestly from the first day,” they will stop not paying taxes.

In one of the few interviews he gave during his presidential campaign, Zelensky said he wants to regain control of Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014, but now says he wants to start talks with Russia.

Political observers believe Zelensky’s rise is a symptom of immense voter frustration and anger with the government and a desire for change — any change.