(27 Oct 2024)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Bankya, Sofia, Bulgaria – 27 October 2024
1. GERB party leader Boyko Borissov arrives
2. Borissov waits and casts his vote at polling station
3. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Boyko Borissov, leader of GERB political party:
"The people want a government, the people want security, the people want stability. We didn’t just show what we did, we didn’t just say what we were going to do, but how we were going to do it. Our program is widespread and we have given those who want stability the opportunity to vote."
4. Borissov walking outside
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sofia, Bulgaria – 27 October 2024
5. We Continue the Change party leader Kiril Petkov casts his vote
6. Election worker checks ID against voter list
7. Petkov puts ballot in box
8. Petkov walking outside the polling station
9. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Kiril Petkov, We Continue the Change party leader:
"The only effective formula for Bulgaria to move forward is when the prime minister-designate is equidistant from the parties, as we have a high level of mistrust between us, without compromising on anti-corruption legislation."
10. Close of voting instruction at polling station
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Bankya, Sofia, Bulgaria – 27 October 2024
11. Close of ballot box filled with voting slips
STORYLINE:
Bulgarian party leaders voted on Sunday in the country’s seventh general elections in just over three years, as the country faces growing political instability that might further enhance the popularity of pro-Russian and far-right groups.
Of the six elections since 2021, only two have produced an elected government, but both coalitions collapsed after trying to introduce reforms, take on graft, and reduce reliance on Russia.
Leader of GERB, Boyko Borissov, voting in Bankya, Sofia, told reporters: "The people want a government, the people want security, the people want stability."
Borisov’s party is expected to win a plurality of seats, but will likely struggle to form a majority government in a fragmented parliament, local analysts Teneo predicted.
Voter fatigue and wide disillusionment with politicians have created an environment where radical political voices, aided by Moscow’s widespread disinformation, are successfully undermining public support for the democratic process and boosting the popularity of pro-Russian and far-right groups.
The never-ending election spiral has a serious impact on Bulgaria’s economy and its foreign policy.
The country risks losing billions of euros in EU recovery funds due to lack of reforms.
Full integration into the open-border Schengen area and accession to the eurozone are likely to be delayed further.
Initial exit poll results will be announced after polls close at 8 pm (1800 GMT) and preliminary results are expected on Monday.
According to latest opinion polls, Bulgarians’ lack of confidence in elections will result in a record low voter turnout.
Gallup World Poll data show only 10% of Bulgarians trust the integrity of their elections – the lowest in the EU, where the average is 62%.
Some observers have labelled the past few years as a period of “revolving-door governments,” which additionally has fueled voters’ apathy.
There was no clear winner in the latest vote, held in June, and the seven groups elected to the fragmented legislature were unable to put together a viable coalition.
Observers suggest that Sunday’s vote will produce more of the same and that chances for an immediate end of the political stalemate are low.
Bulgaria is one of the poorest and most corrupt European Union member states.
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