(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party remains the most popular political organization in the country, according to a poll by Alpha Research. 23.5 per cent of respondents would vote for the pro-European party in the next general election, up 1.8 points since July.

The governing Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) is second with 15.1 per cent, followed by Ataka (Attack) with 6.1 per cent. Support is lower for the Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), the United Democratic Forces (ODS), the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB), the National Movement for Stability and Progress (NDSV), and the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (VMRO).

In June 2005, Bulgarian voters renewed the National Assembly. The Coalition for Bulgaria (KzB)—which included the BSP—secured 82 seats, followed by the NDSV with 53 lawmakers. In August, the two main parties, along with the DPS, agreed to set-up a coalition administration with Socialist leader Sergey Stanishev as prime minister.

Last year, Bulgaria officially joined the European Union (EU). In 2006, Sofia mayor Boyko Borissov assembled the centre-right, pro-European GERB. In October 2007, Borissov was re-elected by a wide margin. He has called for an early general ballot in Bulgaria.

Bulgaria’s political scene has recently been shaken by allegations of mismanagement of EU funds. GERB has called on Bulgarian president Georgi Parvanov to shorten the term of the current legislature, and for an interim cabinet to take over.

On Oct. 10, Stanishev invited Borissov to participate in a public discussion about the future of Bulgaria, saying, "With this letter I confirm my invitation to you for a public debate on the perspectives Bulgaria has. I am convinced that Bulgarian citizens have the right to witness an open and public debate between the leaders of the two most influential parties in the country and see the differences between us in how we see the country’s future. I am ready to negotiate the place, time and agenda of the debate."

The next general election is tentatively scheduled for June 2009.

Polling Data

What party would you support in a general election?

Source: Alpha Research
Methodology: Interviews with 1,010 Bulgarian adults, conducted in September 2008. No margin of error was provided.

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