Ukraine election: Comedian Zelensky wins presidency by landslide victory

In Ukraine, comedian and political newcomer Volodymyr Zelensky has apparently secured a landslide victory in the Presidential election. Exit polls indicated that he is going to take 73 per cent of the votes while incumbent Petro Poroshenko securing 25 per cent.

The ballots were yet to be counted by Ukraine’s Central Election Commission, but the exit polls coincided with the official results after the first round of elections which were held three weeks ago.

Zelensky’s only previous political role has been playing the President on television. Forty-one-year-old leader victory will open a new chapter in the history of a country that has gone through two popular uprisings in the last 20 years.

US President Donald Trump in a telephonic call has congratulated Volodymyr Zelenskiy on his win. The Canadian Foreign Ministry expressed hope for further development of cooperation between Ukraine and Canada.

Georgian Prime Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze voiced that Ukrainians have made a peaceful and democratic decision by supporting Zelenskiy. European Council, Donald Tusk and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg also congratulated Mr Zelenskiy.