Businessman Ion Sturza, ex-Premier of the Republic of Moldova, considers the presidential elections were democratic, while Maia Sandu and Igor Dodon had rather good results. He developed the issue in the program “In Depth” on PRO TV Chisinau channel, IPN reports.

The former Prime Minister considers Maia Sandu will face difficulties in beating Dodon in the runoff elections. “If we consider the real number of voters, the turnout was of about 70%, which is rather high. For Maia Sandu, it will be rather hard to increase the voter turnout to 80% and to make so that these 10% of electors vote for her,” he stated.

The businessman considers the withdrawal of Marian Lupu from the electoral race favored Igor Dodon. “Igor Dodon is a suitable candidate for the Democratic Party, while Maia Sandu represents a risk factor,” he said.

Ion Sturza believes Marian Lupu was humiliated by being withdrawn from the race. “Marian Lupu didn’t know that he will be withdrawn. Plahotniuc decided himself to withdraw Lupu. Plahotniuc admitted this in a meeting with a group of businessmen. Lupu was evidently marked by the withdrawal. You can be tall and handsome, but you lose your way when you get such a blow. I think Marian Lupu should withdraw from politics. It was a too heavy blow for him. He became very vulnerable after being humiliated for several times,” he stated.