Bulgaria is conducting general elections on October 27, 2024, marking the seventh time voters have gone to the polls in just over three years. The elections were necessitated by the failure of seven political groups to form a coalition following a June vote.
Voter turnout is projected to be exceptionally low, with only 10% of Bulgarians expressing confidence in the electoral system, significantly below the EU average of 62%. The political landscape is characterized by widespread disillusionment and voting fatigue.
Former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov's center-right GERB party is anticipated to secure approximately 25% of the vote, although forming a coalition may prove challenging due to a fragmented Parliament. The pro-Russian party Vazrazhdane is predicted to emerge as the second-largest faction, advocating for the lifting of sanctions on Russia and questioning Bulgaria's NATO membership.
The We Continue the Change/Democratic Bulgaria bloc, which aims to strengthen Bulgaria's position within the EU, is expected to finish in third place. This election comes amid concerns that Bulgaria risks losing billions in EU recovery funds due to insufficient reforms and ongoing corruption.
Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time (0500 GMT), with exit poll results set to be released at 8 p.m. local time, followed by preliminary results expected on Monday.