Since Darth Vader threw his helmet into the ring for Ukraine's presidential elections, representing the country's "Internet Party," the Sith Lord has been out campaigning.

Vader was originally Viktor Shevchenko, but changed his name in March to run for the presidency on behalf of the Internet Party of Ukraine (UIP). Vader's hometown is Odessa, Ukraine's third-largest city and a major seaport.

Evgeny Feldman, a staff photographer for the Russian publication Novaya Gazeta and a frequent contributor to Mashable, captured Vader while he campaigned around the Heroic Defense of Odessa (the 411th Battery Memorial), which is dedicated to Soviet soldiers who defended Odessa for months during World War II. Currently, it is a popular place for families to spend their weekends in the city, Feldman said.

Last week, Ukraine's Central Electoral Commission rejected Vader's bid to run, saying that his application was "questionable," according to the BBC. However, the UIP appealed the refusal, and Vader is continuing to campaign, Feldman reported.

"Darth Vader said that no one will be forced to join the dark side after he wins," he added.

Darth Vader for President of Ukraine

1. A man wearing a Darth Vader costume, who announced his candidacy for Ukraine's presidency, walks around the memorial of the Heroic Defense of Odessa (the 411th Battery Memorial) in Odessa, Ukraine.

   Image: Evgeny Feldman

2. A man getting his photo taken with Darth Vader at the memorial of the Heroic Defense of Odessa (the 411th Battery Memorial) in Odessa, Ukraine.

   Image: Evgeny Feldman

3. Darth Vader gestures to a driver of a coffee-selling van, which is parked on the sidewalk in Odessa, Ukraine.

   Image: Evgeny Feldman

4. Darth Vader walks by the forest in Odessa, Ukraine.

   Image: Evgeny Feldman

5. Young men stare at Darth Vader while he campaigns at the Heroic Defense of Odessa (the 411th Battery Memorial) in Odessa, Ukraine.

   Image: Evgeny Feldman

6. Darth Vader walks through the forest in Odessa, Ukraine.

   Image: Evgeny Feldman

7. People wearing Ukrainian flags look at Darth Vader as he walks by in Odessa, Ukraine.

   Image: Evgeny Feldman

8. Darth Vader talks to a World War II veteran while the former campaigns at the Heroic Defense of Odessa (the 411th Battery Memorial) in Odessa, Ukraine.

   Image: Evgeny Feldman

9. People gather to listen to Darth Vader's campaign promises in Odessa, Ukraine.

   Image: Evgeny Feldman

10. Darth Vader leaves through the parking lot after campaigning in Odessa, Ukraine.

    Image: Evgeny Feldman

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