Bulgaria is holding its 4th general elections in 18 months, with her citizens casting their votes, despite raging war nearby, political instability, and economic hardships in the European Union’s poorest member.
Polling stations opened at 7am (0400 GMT) on Sunday. The first exit poll results will be announced after polls close at 8pm (1700 GMT) and preliminary results are expected on Monday.
The early election came after a fragile coalition led by pro-Western prime minister Kiril Petkov lost a no-confidence vote in June.
Surveys ahead of the ballot suggested that up to eight parties could muster the 4% threshold to enter a fragmented parliament where populist and pro-Russia groups could increase their representation.
Following a lame campaign, Bulgaria’s election turnout is expected to be low due to voters’ apathy and disillusionment with politicians unable to cobble together a viable government coalition
A recent Gallup International survey and predictions ranked GERB first with 25.8%, followed by its main rival – .Mr. Petkov’s We Continue The Change party with 16.6%.
At his party’s final campaign rally on Friday, Mr Petkov said:
“This time we will win even more, and I expect that we will be able to form a coalition.”
A low turnout favours the former ruling GERB party of three-time former prime minister Boyko Borissov which, despite a further erosion of support, can still count on a bulk of loyal voters, and is most likely to finish first.
