Moldovan Democrats' leader officially withdrawn from electoral race for president office

Chisinau, 28 October /MOLDPRES/ - The Central Electoral Commission (CEC) today admitted the application on the withdrawal of the candidate on behalf of the Democratic Party (PDM), Marian Lupu, from the presidential race, based on a ruling by the Chisinau Court of Appeal.   

The Court of Appeal from Chisinau today issued a decision approving Marian Lupu’s request on his withdrawal from the presidential race. This happens in conditions when, under the legislation, contenders can be withdrawn from the electoral race if they submit an application to CEC by seven days before the elections at the latest; if they make the request later than this term, the decision is taken by court.  

At the meeting, CEC deputy head Rodica Ciubotaru said that, under the decision by the Chisinau-based Court of Appeal, the Commission cancelled the ruling on the registration of PDM candidate Marian Lupu from the electoral race. “Thus, the representatives of the electoral bureaus will apply the stamp RETRAS (WITHDRAWN) against the contender,” Ciubotaru said.   

The candidate for the Moldovan president office on behalf of the Democratic Party, Marian Lupu, two days ago informed that he was withdrawing from the electoral race in favour of the common right-wing candidate Maia Sandu, on grounds that she would have more chances to defeat the Socialists’ leader, Igor Dodon.   

Direct presidential elections will take place in Moldova on 30 October. Nine candidates have remained in the presidential race: Mihai Ghimpu – Liberal Party, Iurie Leanca – European People’s Party of Moldova, Dumitru Ciubasenco – Our Party, Maia Sandu – Action and Solidarity Party, Dignity and Truth Platform Party and Liberal Democratic Party, Igor Dodon – Party of Socialists, Silvia Radu – independent candidate, Maia Laguta – independent candidate, Ana Gutu – Right Party and Valeriu Ghiletchi – an independent candidate.