Zelensky’s surprising surge in the polls may be a positive albeit unusual sign that the country is emerging out of political crisis, some analysts say. With 39 candidates on the ballot, it is the most competitive election in Ukraine’s modern history, said Leo Litra, a senior researcher at the New Europe Center, a think tank in Kiev.

“If Ukraine manages to have a peaceful transition of power through free and fair elections in times of war, then this is a very important element that will show that Ukraine is advancing quite fast in its democracy,” Litra said.