Bulgaria holds snap election as Progressive Bulgaria leads exit polls
Polls have closed in Bulgaria’s snap parliamentary election, with voter turnout reaching 34.63% by 4 pm local time — significantly higher than the previous election in October 2024. Exit polls show Progressive Bulgaria leading with 39.2%, as the country struggles with political fragmentation.
Bulgaria’s Central Election Commission announced that polling stations closed on Sunday for the early parliamentary election to elect the 52nd National Assembly. Deputy Chairperson Rositsa Mateva reported that voter turnout nationwide reached 34.63% by 4:00 pm local time — a notable increase from 26.25% recorded at the same hour during the October 2024 snap election.
Exit polls show Progressive Bulgaria ahead
More than 6.5 million citizens were eligible to vote, with 14 political parties and 10 alliances competing. A party must secure at least 121 seats in the 240-member parliament to form a government. According to the first exit poll results from the Trend research center, Progressive Bulgaria leads with 39.2%, followed by GERB-UDF with 15.1%. We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria stands at 13.3%, while the Movement for Rights and Freedoms received 8.1%.
Political fragmentation continues
Revival is projected to win 5% — narrowly above the threshold to enter parliament — while the Bulgarian Socialist Party-United Left stands at 4.2%. Since 2021, Bulgaria has struggled with fragmented parliaments, failed coalition talks, and deep political divisions, leading to short-lived governments and repeated caretaker administrations appointed by the presidency. Final results are expected in the coming days.
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