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Altogether 418 candidates are running for the EP elections in Bulgaria.

by AI | 21.May 2024 | Europe in brief AI

For 17 seats, 30 parties and coalitions, and one independent candidate are competing.

photo: Philipp von Ditfurth/dpa

SOFIA – Bulgaria will elect members of the European Parliament (EP) and national representatives on June 9, and this will happen for the first time on the same day.
Voters will vote with blue ballots for the European Parliament and green ones for the National Assembly. They will be able to exercise their right to vote by machine as well.

In the race for 17 seats in the EP from Bulgaria, 30 parties and coalitions, as well as one independent candidate, totaling 418 people, will participate. Of the candidates registered with the Central Election Commission, 287 are men and 131 are women. Candidates simultaneously for the European and national elections will be 334 people.

For Bulgaria, these will be the fourth EP elections since the country joined the EU in 2007. The number of Bulgarian representatives in the new composition of the EP will remain unchanged. So far, the country has had MEPs in the European People’s Party – seven, in the Group of the Socialists and Democrats – four, in “Renew Europe” – three, in the “European Conservatives and Reformers” – two, and one independent. Of the Bulgarian MEPs in the last term, 12 are men and five are women.

Most young Bulgarians – 54%, state they will vote in the upcoming EP elections, according to data from a “Eurobarometer” survey presented on May 13. By comparison, an average of 64% of young people in the EU have expressed readiness to participate in the elections.

A total of 21% of young Bulgarians and 13% of other young people in the EU say they will not exercise their right to vote in determining future MEPs. Asked what they expect from the EU, European youth prioritize peace and international cooperation (37%, compared to 32% in Bulgaria), followed by the fight against poverty (34% in the EU, 38% in Bulgaria), and in third place are the protection of human rights and European values (30% in the EU and 26% in Bulgaria).

Sociological agencies presented preliminary assessments of the attitudes of voters in Bulgaria. According to a study by “Trend” from April 12-19, GERB-SDS would be chosen by 25.2% of the respondents, “We Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria” (PP-DB) – 16.1%, DPS – 14.3%, “Vazrazhdane” – 14.2%, BSP – 8.7%, “There Is Such a People” (ITN) – 4.8%. A study by “Alpha Research” from April 25 to May 2 shows that GERB-SDS would be chosen by 25.1% of those firmly decided to vote, PP-DB – 18.5%, “Vazrazhdane” – 14.8%, DPS – 14.4%, BSP – 8%, and ITN – 4.8%.

In order to win at least one seat in the EP, political parties, coalitions or independent candidates need to receive at least 1/17 part of all valid votes. The results are announced no later than five days after the end of election day. When counting the ballots, video surveillance is planned in all polling stations. (May 18)