Two opposition parties - the Moldova Noastra Alliance (MNA) and Centrist Union of Moldova (CUM) - have decided to support MP Dumitru Braghis as candidate for the July 10 early Chisinau mayoral elections.

Braghis is a MNA Deputy Chairman and a member of the parliamentary Moldova Noastra Alliance faction. Some time ago, the Alliance was about to nominate him as MNA candidate, but he preferred to run as an independent candidate.

The Alliance has stood up with an official Statement in support Braghis [who was Moldovan Prime Minister in 1999-2001], writing that these elections will be extremely important for ensuring the continuation of democratic processes in the capital city "and for confirming Chisinau citizens' European aspirations".

The Moldova Noastra Alliance regards the currently ruling Communist Party as an anti-democratic force, "and only Dumitru Braghis is able to offer a profound rivalry to Communist candidate Zinaida Grechanaya..." As for other candidates "they are political adventure-seekers having very few chances for success", the document said.

The Alliance called its electorate to vote for Dumitru Braghis, "otherwise democracy may be completely ruined in Chisinau".

The Centrist Union of Moldova wrote in its Statement that Braghis is the most suitable candidature for the Chisinau Mayor, for he is an energetic and competent personality having a vast experience in public affairs management.

The CUM leadership presumes the biggest obstacle to electing Braghis as Mayor may only be disunity of voters and a poor voter turnout on July 10.

Some local analysts think that yet another political force may stand up in support of Dumitru Braghis in the nearest time - the Social Democratic Party of Moldova.