Bulgarians Not Eager to Vote for New Parties

According to a study conducted by the National Center for Study of Public Opinion, the percentage of Bulgarians who are willing to vote for new parties decreased from 31 per cent in April to 15 per cent in May.  This is the lowest it has been since March 2011. 

The study indicates that citizens who have a history of voting in general elections are less apprehensive about voting for a new political party.  Conversely, Bulgarians characterized as being apathetic towards political engagement are less likely to consider voting for a new party.

Citizens who identify themselves as moderates are the most likely to vote for a new party. As an example, the study cites former EU commissioner Meglena Kuneva's party, Citizens for Bulgaria. The party was created on July 1, 2011 and found that 33 per cent of its supporters are identified as moderates, while 13 per cent are classified as rightists or leftists.

The study also addressed citizens’ attitudes towards party coalitions in government to form the Parliament.  The study found that coalitions are overwhelmingly viewed as negative while 66 per cent of respondents said they do not believe the ruling party should need to enter into a coalition with another party.

The next parliamentary elections in Bulgaria will be held in the summer of 2013.