Oct 27, 2024 – Bulgarians head to the polls today for the seventh parliamentary election in four years, amidst lingering doubts about breaking the ongoing political stalemate in the European Union’s poorest member state.
Polling stations opened at 07:00 and will close at 8 pm. A recent Gallup International Balkans poll, released by Bulgarian National Radio, indicates that no party is expected to secure a majority, which could prolong the country’s political impasse.
The center-right party GERB, led by former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, is projected to lead with approximately 26 percent of the vote. However, the party is likely to encounter challenges in forming a governing coalition, which may lead to extended negotiations.
The reformist party “We continue the change” is forecasted to receive around 16.2 percent, while the far-right, pro-Kremlin party Revival is expected to garner 14.9 percent. In total, 22 parties and nine coalitions are vying for votes in this election.
Bulgaria has struggled to establish a stable government since widespread anti-corruption protests in 2020 led to the ousting of Borisov’s administration. Six elections since then have failed to resolve the political deadlock. The last election, held in June, resulted in inconclusive outcomes, with politicians unable to form a governing coalition despite three attempts. Voter turnout in June was a mere 34 percent, the lowest in post-communist Bulgaria, and Gallup predicts today’s turnout may drop to just 31 percent.
In August, President Rumen Radev endorsed a proposal for the interim government led by acting Prime Minister Dimitar Glavchev, who took office after the government was overthrown in March. After casting his vote, Glavchev expressed his hope for a “stable European Bulgaria, with a stable government that respects the Constitution and the interests of the people.”
