Georgi Parvanov

The socialist president Georgi Parvanov is the first choice of Bulgarian voters before this year’s presidential election, according to a poll by Afis. 34.6 % of respondents would vote for the member of the Bulgarian Socialist Party. Sofia mayor Boyko Borisov is second on the list with 21.4 %, followed by United Democratic Forces (ODS) leader Petar Stoyanov with 4%.

Socialist President Parvanov was elected in November 2001, winning a run-off against Stoyanov with 54.1 % of all cast ballots. Stoyanov served as president from January 1997 to January 2002.

Earlier this month, Borisov said he might not launch a bid himself, saying, "If the broad right-wing coalition nominates a common candidate for the presidential post, I will support him, but this will be my personal decision."

In June 2005, Bulgarians voted for voters renewed the National Assembly. The leftist coalition led by the socialist party (BSP) secured 82 seats, followed by the National Movement Simeon II (NDSV) with 53 seats in the parliament. The two main parties, along with the Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS), agreed to form a grand coalition and appointed the socialist party leader Sergey Stanishev as prime minister.

In April 2005, the European Parliament approved the entry of Bulgaria and Romania into the European Union (EU) in 2007, but warned that both countries still need to enact reforms, eradicate corruption and fight organized crime. The accession treaty contains a clause that could force a one-year delay in case certain conditions are not met.

The election is tentatively scheduled for November 2006. The president is regarded as a ceremonial dignitary in Bulgaria, but serves as the commander in chief of the armed forces and has the power to return a bill to the National Assembly for further debate. The president’s veto can be overturned with a majority vote.

Polling Data

Who would you vote for in the presidential election?

Georgi Parvanov (BSP) - 34.6%;

Boyko Borissov - 21.4%
 
Petar Stoyanov (ODS) - 4.0%

Source: AFIS
Methodology: Interviews to 1,000 Bulgarian adults, conducted from Jun. 7 to Jun. 9, 2006. No margin of error was provided.

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