| Author (Corporate) | Cardiff EDC (Compiler) |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2021 |
| Content Type | Blog & Commentary, News, Overview |
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Summary: Information Guide concerning the legislative election held in Bulgaria on 4 April 2021. Further information: The 240 members of the National Assembly are elected by closed list proportional representation from 31 multi-member constituencies ranging in size from 4 to 16 seats. The electoral threshold is 4% for parties. The election campaign was held amidst the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic and the related vaccination programme. The political arena was also affected by the growing friction between the political and economic elites of the country, the political struggle between the Prime Minister Boyko Borisov and the President Rumen Radev and a series of leaks and accusations concerning Mr Borisov's wealth. These episodes led to anti-government protests calling for early elections - while protesters were not successful in triggering a snap poll, their activity boosted some of the opposition parties. While governing, centre-right GERB party took the largest share of the votes in this election (25.8%), it fell short of an absolute majority. Three new political parties made it to Parliament for the first time, including the populist ITN party which came second (17.4%). Traditional parties lost significant support, including the centre-left BSP party (14.8%). Media outlets and analysts foresaw difficult coalition negotiations following this electoral outcome. Following the inability of the three most voted parties to form a new cabinet with a parliamentary majority - and according to the Constitution - the Bulgarian President dissolved the Parliament and called for a new election to take place. |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Subject Tags | National Politics, Parliamentary | Legislative Elections |
| Countries / Regions | Bulgaria |
