PM’s party has strong showing in Bulgaria’s local elections

SOFIA, Bulgaria – Exit poll results from Sunday’s local elections in Bulgaria reaffirm Prime Minister Boyko Borissov’s centre-right GERB party’s political dominance.

The main challengers, the Socialists and a liberal pro-Western bloc, failed to gain outright victories in the capital, Sofia, and in most of the largest cities.

Turnout was 43%. Observers said many people likely did not vote because they felt the outcome was predetermined.

In the capital the incumbent, GERB’s Yordanka Fandakova, faced a strong challenge from Maya Manolova, an independent backed by several opposition parties.

Results from exit polls showed Fandakova ahead with 35% to Manolova’s 26%, but since neither candidate had more than 50% they face a runoff on Nov. 3.

Borissov’s party has won all but one major election since 2009.