Bulgarians participated in an early parliamentary election on Sunday, marking the eighth such vote in five years. Over 6.6 million eligible voters had the opportunity to choose from 4,700 candidates representing 14 political parties, 10 coalitions, and one independent candidate. Polling stations opened at 7 a.m. local time and are scheduled to close at 8 p.m.
Voters living abroad also have the chance to cast their ballots, with polling stations set up in 55 countries and regions. Exit polls will be released right after the stations close in Bulgaria, while the final election results are expected by April 23. The election was triggered by the resignation of Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov’s coalition government in December 2025 following widespread protests over economic policies.
The National Assembly, Bulgaria’s legislative body, is responsible for electing the government through a simple majority and typically serves a four-year term. However, in cases where a government cannot be elected, early elections are called. This election comes after multiple failed attempts to form a government within the existing legislature earlier this year.
Andrey Gurov was appointed as the caretaker prime minister in February by President Iliana Lotova, following the decline of various parliamentary groups to form a government.
