On May 12 all 240 seats of the National Assembly of Bulgaria will be up for election. The election was originally scheduled to be held in July, but nationwide protests and self-immolations convinced the prime minister resign and hold elections earlier. The protests were primarily over the creation of government-sponsored monopolies and corruption. Other contentious issues include Bulgaria's membership in the European Union, energy independence and improving the standards of living in Bulgaria.
In order to achieve energy independence, a referendum was held on January 27, 2013 on the construction of a nuclear power plant. The referendum passed with 61.49% of the vote. Voter turnout for the referendum was less than the necessary 60%, resulting in the referendum becoming non-binding. In other words, the government is not legally required to abide by the results of the referendum. Some organizations, such as Greenpeace, have opposed the construction of a nuclear power plant.
The last parliamentary election [in 2009] resulted in the centre-right Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party winning 39.7% and 117 seats in the National Assembly. The centre-left Bulgarian Socialist Party won 17.7% of the vote and 40 seats in the National Assembly. Other parties won the remainder of the seats in the previous general election. Opinion polls for the upcoming election have been fluctuating, with most current polls predicting another victory for Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria.
Will the Bulgarian Socialist Party return to government? Will construction of the nuclear power plant continue as normal? Will the nationalistic Attack party continue to gain traction? What do you think this election will yield? Please use this thread to discuss anything pertaining to the upcoming election and it's aftermath.
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