Bulgaria Holds General Election Amid Ongoing Political Instability

(MENAFN) Voting began on Sunday in Bulgaria as citizens head to the polls in a general election widely viewed as a key test of the country’s prolonged political instability.

Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time, with roughly 6.5 million registered voters eligible to participate in what is the country’s eighth election in five years.

As stated by reports, a total of 14 political parties and 10 electoral alliances are competing in the vote. The Central Election Commission of Bulgaria confirmed that nearly 12,000 polling stations have been set up domestically, alongside 493 polling locations across 55 countries for voters abroad.

Voting is scheduled to close at 8 p.m., though it may be extended by an additional hour if queues remain.

According to pre-election polling, at least five political forces are expected to cross the 4% threshold required to enter parliament. Surveys suggest that the Progressive Bulgaria Coalition is currently leading the race.

Other groups projected to secure parliamentary seats include the GERB, the We Continue the Change–Democratic Bulgaria, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, the Revival party, and the Bulgarian Socialist Party.

Turnout in the previous election held in October 2024 stood at 38%, while recent surveys indicate participation this time could rise to between 50% and 60%.

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