In not so surprise turn of events, comedian and political novice Volodymyr Zelensky wins the first round of elections. Zelenesky captured more than 30 per cent of the votes. The former president of the country, was voted out on the grounds that he was unable to fulfill his duties.
Zelensky's political experience had been limited to playing the president in a TV show but his long-shot bid won over voters frustrated with endemic corruption and a stalling economy.
The entertainer was projected to garner 30.4 per cent of the vote, handily beating Poroshenko on 17.8 per cent, according to combined figures from three pollsters released when voting stations closed. Vote turnout was estimated at about 63 per cent in an electorate of 30 million people.
Ex-prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who was herself a favourite to win when she launched her campaign at the start of the year, was knocked out with 14.2 per cent, the figures showed. Mr Poroshenko said that Zelensky would make a weak president as sought by President Vladimir Putin of Russia . The second round of voting takes place on April 21. and if Zelensky wins the second round, he will take reins as President of a nation of 45 million people fighting Russian-backed separatists in its east.
The 41-year-old has yet to spell out what he would do in power and one of his campaign slogans was: "No promises. No apologies".
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Despite concerns about his vague platform, supporters insist only a brand new face can clean up Ukraine's murky politics.
Some accuse Zelensky of acting as a front for the interests of oligarch Igor Kolomoysky, who owns the channel that broadcasts the entertainer's shows, but he denies any political links.
Ukraine a troubled democracy, is one of the poorest nations of Europe. It has been on the frontline of a confrontation between Russia and the West, the conflict that left more than 13,000 dead and millions displaced since 2014. The popular uprising was followed by Russia's annexation of Crimea and the separatist conflict in eastern Ukraine.
Zelensky has eschewed rallies and interviews in favour of playing gigs with his comedy troupe up to the final days of campaigning.
His political comedy "Servant of the People" returned for its third series this week.
Poroshenko — a chocolate magnate who was one of the country's richest men when he took office — came to power in 2014 after a revolution forced his pro-Russian predecessor out of office.
The 53-year-old leader said he would shut down the fighting, tackle graft and align the country with the West.
People of Ukraine have been wanting to stay away from politicians and political class and this seems like the primary reasons why Zelenesky has emerged a winner.
Tymoshenko, who rose to international prominence as a face of the 2004 Orange Revolution, was taking her third tilt at the presidency.
The campaign saw allegations of corruption and fraud from all sides.
A record 39 candidates were on the ballot paper — which was more than 80 cm long — but none apart from the frontrunners reached double figures, according to the exit polls.
If the results of the exit polls are confirmed, Zelensky and Poroshenko will face off for the presidency on April 21.