Bulgaria still surrounded in political turmoil

The centre-right Gerb party took a narrow lead on the socialist party by securing 31% of the votes against BSP's 27%. The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and the ultra-nationalist Ataka secured 10.7% and 7.4% of the votes respectively.

Gerb party leader, former Prime Minister Boiko Borisov had resigned last February following protests regarding the low standards of living and scandals concerning the country's state institutions. This was further proven by lack of interest during the electoral campaign and a very low voting turnout amounting to around 50%.

This has thrown the country into further political instability as allegations of fraud and corruption in the EU's poorest country continue to surface. Unemployment continues to grow with unofficial figures of 18% being mentioned contrary to the official records of 12%

The Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) stated that voting took place in a competitive environment, fundamental freedoms were respected, and the administration of elections was well managed. However a bugging scandal that was brought to light pre-election and claims of ballot fraud weakened public confidence in the process.

On Sunday night, following the closing of ballots, people gathered outside the Palace of Culture in Sofia in protest to Gerb's attempt to form a new government.