The May 20 mayoral elections in the municipality of Chisinau showed the change is possible. The preliminary election outcome, which shows that the candidate of the PSRM Ion Ceban and the common PPDA-PAS candidate Andrei Nastase will compete in the runoffs, will inspire the people with optimism. The issue was developed in the talk show Politics of Natalia Morari” on TV8 channel, IPN reports.

Andrei Popov, director of the Institute for Strategic Initiatives, said the day of May 20 showed the change is possible, including for the people who went abroad or intend to leave owing to the small salaries and to the feeling that nothing can be done yet. “A powerful signal that their votes count was given to these people. Despite the limitations typical of the Republic of Moldova, their votes count and this is a very important signal that will encourage the people and will inspire optimism,” he stated.

Stefan Gligor, programs director at the Center for Politics and Reforms, said the people’s vote matters and mobilization is the solution. “If the people feel that we have consistent politicians who keep their word and that they have who to give their vote for, we will have again a free and democratic state that will return to normality,” he noted.

Sorin Ionita, president of Expert Forum of Romania, stated that if the people take the fate in their hands, go to vote and make the choice by themselves, a new construction can be started. “The Moldovans got tired of voting shadows and therefore two of three stayed at home and didn’t vote,” he said.

With 100% of the votes counted, the preliminary data show that the candidate of the PSRM Ion Ceban won 40.97% of the poll, while the common PPDA-PAS candidate Andrei Nastase - 32.12%. The two candidates will compete for the mayoralty of Chisinau in a runoff vote in two weeks. Independent candidate Silvia Radu gained 17.65% of the vote.