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SOFIA — Former Prime Minister Boyko Borisov’s center-right GERB party appears to have come out on top in the recent snap parliamentary elections in Bulgaria, based on exit polls conducted by Alpha Research and Gallup International. The polls show GERB receiving approximately 25 percent of the vote, putting them in the lead ahead of other parties. However, it remains uncertain whether any party will be able to form a governing coalition.
Following GERB in the polls were the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) at around 16 percent, the reformist We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria coalition (PP-DB) at 14.3-15 percent, and the pro-Russia Revival party (Vazrazhdane) at 14 percent. The former communist Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and the populist There Is Such a People party fell behind with just over 7 percent and just under 6 percent of the vote, respectively.
Official results were still being tallied as of midnight, with voter turnout reported at 20.44 percent for the parliamentary elections and 20.89 percent for the European Parliament vote.
Former Prime Minister Borisov expressed doubts about the formation of a new government based on the early voting indicators. He noted that it appeared unlikely for any party or coalition to secure enough seats to effectively govern.
Regardless of the election outcome, Borisov is expected to remain influential in Bulgarian politics. His leadership has faced criticism over allegations of corruption, ties to oligarchs, and attacks on media freedom.
The potential breakup of the GERB-PP-DB partnership, due to disagreements over reforms in the judiciary and security services, has complicated the formation of a new coalition government. The possibility of another election, the seventh in three years, looms if no agreement is reached.
As Bulgarians cast their votes, many expressed a desire for stability and prosperity in the country after years of political uncertainty. The outcome of the elections, both at the national and European levels, will have a significant impact on the future direction of Bulgaria and its place in the European Union.
