 Eventually, on January 12, Constantin put himself up as a candidate—although, as historian Nicolae Iorga notes, his chances of winning were minuscule.Twelve days later, progressives imposed a win for their own surprise candidate, Alexandru Ioan Cuza, a Moldavian.Also a member of the Divan (or Elective Assembly), Constantin validated the election and signed the address which sought to obtain Cuza's recognition as "Domnitor".