Bulgaria's Socialist Party, which placed second in May 12 early elections, has an opportunity to return to power. Photo by Sofia Photo Agency
The formerly opposition Socialist and ethnic Turk parties combined have managed to prevail - though very slightly - over the recently ousted centrist GERB and their potential allies - nationalist Ataka, official final results show.
The data was released Wednesday morning after the Central Electoral Commission, CEC, processed 100% of the ballot protocols from the country and 100% of those from abroad.
The formerly-ruling centrist Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria party, GERB, has gathered 30.503% of the votes, the data shows.
Left-wing Bulgarian Socialist Party, BSP is next with 26.614% , then follow the liberal ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms, DPS, which has tangibly increased its results up to 11.293% and the far-right, nationalist Ataka - 7.302%.
All other parties running in Sunday's vote have remained below the 4% election hurdle.
The latest data confirms expectations by other analysts that the Socialists and the Movement together might have garnered more votes at Sunday elections in comparison with those cast for GERB and Ataka combined.