Bulgarians are casting their ballots in their fifth election in two years, hoping to put an end to the political chaos that has stalled the system and threatened European Union solidarity amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Following a series of inconclusive votes, the country is still grappling with a political deadlock, with no political party having enough support to form a ruling majority.
The possibility of another snap election this year looms as polls suggest no clear winner in Sunday's election. The conflict in Ukraine has only worsened the situation in the EU's poorest country, located less than 300 miles from Crimea on NATO's eastern flank. The parties led by former Prime Ministers Boyko Borissov and Kiril Petkov are in a neck-and-neck race with more than a quarter of voters' support, according to opinion polls.
The political divide over corruption accusations may further delay Bulgaria's plans to join the euro area, obtain Covid-19 recovery funds, and implement reforms aimed at catching up with more affluent EU countries. According to a political risk analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, "politicians are unable to find a solution to this deadlock." Polling stations will close at 8 p.m., with exit polls expected shortly after. As of 11 a.m., the Central Electoral Committee reported a turnout of 9%.