The preliminary election results were predictable, but the final result will depend on how the votes of the sympathizers of Marian Lupu and Andrei Nastase, who withdrew from the race for the presidency, will divide, said experts invited to the program “Reply” on Prime TV channel, IPN reports.

Political analyst Vitali Catana said that given the developments of the last few days, such a result was foreseeable. “We have what we have and the outcome of these elections does not really interest me because I see no difference between Maia Sandu and Igor Dodon. They both took part in the stealing of millions and cannot help the Republic of Moldova. I have hopes of Parliament only,” he stated.

Political analyst Alexandru Solcan said the figures will probably change and Igor Dodon will yet slip, but not under 50%.

Sociologist Victor Mocanu said it is too early to draw conclusions as to who will reach the final of the race.

In another post-electoral debate, on Moldova 1 channel, political commentator Anatol Taranu said the withdrawal of the Democrat Marian Lupu favored a lot the Socialist leader Igor Dodon and, in a way, paved his way for winning the elections by the first round.

Political analyst Nicolae Negru in the same program said Marian Lupu’s gesture was influenced by some of the polls that showed he would not reach the runoff vote. This would have questioned the legitimacy of the current government even more.

About 80% of the votes were counted by 11:15pm. These showed Igor Dodon won 50.7% of the ballot, while Maia Sandu – 35.9%.