(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - The Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) party remains attractive for voters in the country, according to a poll by Alpha Research. 27.6 per cent of respondents would support the recently-assembled party in the next general election, up 1.6 points since November.

The governing Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) is second with 19.2 per cent, followed by the Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) with seven per cent, Ataka (Attack) with 5.7 per cent, the National Movement Simeon II (NDSV) with 1.9 per cent, the United Democratic Forces (ODS) with 1.6 per cent, the Internal Macedonian Revolutionary Organization (VMRO) with 1.3 per cent, and the Democrats for Strong Bulgaria (DSB) with 1.2 per cent.

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.

On Jan. 22, Joseph Daul—chairman of the European People’s Party (EPP) - European Democrats (ED) group—said GERB will be allowed to become a member of the EPP-ED and have representation in the European Parliament. Daul said he will personally assist GERB delegates so they can understand the international institution, and declared: "I want to see how the Bulgarian people are happy to be part of Europe, to be able to understand Europe."

Polling Data

What party would you support in a general election?

Source: Alpha Research
Methodology: Interviews with 1,010 Bulgarian adults, conducted in December 2007. No margin of error was provided.

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