ISLAMABAD: Bulgarians are voting in the country’s fifth general election in two years, with hopes to end political instability and help resolve the economic issues fuelled by the war in Ukraine.
Polling started at 7am local time (04:00 GMT) on Sunday and will close at 8 pm (17:00 GMT). Initial exit poll results will be announced shortly afterwardsn and preliminary results are expected on Monday.
Low turnout
Polling turnout is expected to remain low due to voters’ apathy and disillusionment with politicians, who were unable to form stable governments and deliver governance in one of the poorest and most corrupt European Union member states.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has deepened the political crisis that has engulfed the nation of 6.5 million people 2020, the worst instability since the fall of communism.
Bulgaria is a member of the NATO and EU, but also has strong historical and cultural ties with Russia.
Massive anti-corruption demonstrations took place in the country three years ago, but contrary to the protestor’s hopes of a cleanup in public life, the rallies triggered a series of elections.
The polls are being monitored by observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe who will hold a press conference on April 3 to present their preliminary conclusions.
