Bulgaria - October 2024

On 27 October, snap parliamentary elections were held for the 240-seat Parliament, after June’s elections failed to produce a governing coalition. The incumbent centre-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria-Union of Democratic Forces (GERB-UDF) received a vote share of 26.39 per cent (69 seats). The centrist coalition, We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) secured 14.20 per cent of the vote (37 seats), while the ultranationalist Revival party received a vote share of 13.36 per cent (35 seats). No party gained the 121 seats needed for a majority. Voter turnout stood at 38.94 per cent, up from 34.41 per cent in the June elections. PACE observers noted that the elections were competitive and well-managed, but the low voter turnout highlighted a lack of trust in the political leadership. However, reports of vote buying sparked large protests.  

Sources: Central Election Commission, Council of Europe, Euronews, International IDEA (1), International IDEA (2), Politico, Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty