Snap parliamentary elections kick off in Bulgaria

Early elections for the 51st National Assembly (unicameral parliament) have commenced in Bulgaria.

At 7:00 a.m. local time, approximately 13,000 polling stations opened across the country, with most offering voters a choice between specialised voting machines and paper ballots. Additionally, 719 polling stations are available in 57 countries worldwide, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

About 6.5 million Bulgarians are eligible to vote, although turnout is expected to be around 2 million.

Nineteen parties and nine coalitions are participating in the election, with 4,858 candidates competing for the 240 seats in the National Assembly.

Preliminary unofficial results are anticipated by 8:00 p.m., following the close of polling stations.

The interim government has stated that the election is being held in line with international standards, and all polling stations have been under police protection since October 26.

For the record, Bulgarians abroad will have 719 polling sections in 57 countries. The highest numbers of sections are in Türkiye (168), the UK (112), and Spain (64), with machine voting available in 157 of these. Bulgarians voting abroad can participate using their identity documents, even without prior application, but must sign a declaration confirming they will not vote elsewhere.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) will announce the official results within four days of the vote, by October 31, while sociological agencies will provide exit poll estimates shortly after voting closes at 8 p.m. The final list of elected representatives is expected by November 3. 

By Khagan Isayev