In Bulgaria, the first exit polls attribute victory to the conservative GERB party with 25.1% of the vote, whose leader Boyko Borissov governed the country for almost ten years.
In Bulgaria, the first exit polls attribute victory to the conservative GERB party with 26.4% of the vote, whose leader Boyko Borissov governed the country for almost ten years.
The liberal party “Prodălzhavame promyanata” (“We continue the change”) would collect 15.4% of the votes, placing itself in second position. Party nationalists “Vazrazhdane” (“Renaissance”) would be third with 13.8%.
Bulgarians voted this Sunday for the seventh legislative elections in just over three years, as their country faces growing political instability that could favor the rise of pro-Russian and far-right parties.
Only two of the six legislative elections held since 2021 have resulted in the election of a government. However, both governments fell after attempting to introduce reforms and reduce the country’s dependence on Russia.
The last vote, held in June, did not yield a clear winner and the seven factions elected in the fragmented legislature were unable to put together a viable coalition.
Observers believe the next vote will produce more of the same results, with the chances of immediately breaking the political deadlock low.
According to pollsters, voter fatigue and disillusionment with the political system will result in low turnout and a fragmented parliament where populist and pro-Russian groups could increase their representation.
A record turnout is expected and, at the same time, a high number of hijacked votes – not only purchased votes, but also votes due to pressure from local authorities, including businesses, said the eminent analyst Stoyana Georgieva.
According to her, it is possible that the main pro-Russian party in Bulgaria, “Vazrazhdane”emerges as a second political force.
This far-right, ultranationalist and populist party insists that Bulgaria lift sanctions against Russia, stop aiding Ukraine and hold a referendum on its membership in NATO.
During the last legislative elections, only 34% of voters went to the polls. This was the lowest level recorded since the fall of communism thirty-five years ago.