MARIAN LUPU QUITS ELECTION MARATHON, GIVING WAY TO MAIA SANDU

The presidential candidate from the Democratic Party of Moldova, its Chairman Marian Lupu has announced his withdrawal from the election campaign in favor of the common candidate of the Right-wing opposition – Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS) Chairperson Maia Sandu.

Lupu convoked a press briefing on Wednesday afternoon and explained: “For Moldova, the chief objective is to preserve its pro-European course as well as to implement reforms, to maintain stability and balance of forces, to promote the country’s interests at the international arena. It doesn’t matter what the new President’s name will be. What really matters is that Moldova must continue its Euro-integration course. Proceeding from these superior interests of the state, I have decided to step down from the election marathon so as to support the candidate from the Right opposition forces – Maia Sandu”, stated the Democratic Party leader.

Lupu said the decision is based on the results of recent opinion polls, according to which “the European integration idea is gaining a growing popularity in Moldova”, while the percentage of supporters of Moldova’s accession to the Eurasian Economic Union “has substantially dropped”.

“There certainly is our merit in this – the Democratic Party’s merit. The opinion polls are also showing that I and the common candidate of Right opposition forces Maia Sandu have approximately equal chances of reaching the second round of the election. The difference between us is within the statistical error value. However, the polls are showing that in the second round, Maia Sandu can offer a stronger opposition to the other election finalist – to the candidate of anti-European forces from the Party of Socialists. Proceeding from these considerations, we have taken such a decision”, said Marian Lupu.

The presidential election has been scheduled for October 30. The supreme post will thus be contested by 9 candidates. Now, after Lupu’s departure, there are practically no doubts that in the second round of voting the presidential post will be contested by Igor Dodon and Maia Sandu.