The polling stations across Bulgaria opened at 6 AM on Sunday morning for the elections for European Parliament. 

The 11 685 sections in Bulgaria and abroad are open till 7 PM, but the law provides for an extension of one hour, if there are people, willing to vote at the locations.

There are 6 533 828 voters in Bulgaria – Bulgarian citizens aged 18 and over, who are not stripped of their voting rights and who have permanently lived in the country or another EU member state. 

Citizens of other EU member states, living in Bulgaria, also have the right to vote in Bulgaria. For the purpose, they should have filed a declaration for inclusion in the voter lists 40 days prior to election day. Those who have previously voted in European elections in Bulgaria, could do so again, without submitting a new declaration. 
According to estimates, one candidate would need around 150 000 votes to enter the European Parliament. 

This is the third time Bulgarians vote in such elections – the first one was in 2007, when Bulgaria joined the EU, and in 2009. 

The country will send 17 MPs. For the seats run 313 people – 208 men and  105 women – from 15 parties, six coalitions and three independent candidates.

The elections are guarded by 12 400 police officers.  
Bulgaria's Interior Ministry has set up hotlines for signals for voting violations:  02/982 22 3202, 982 22 3202, 982 22 3202, 982 22 3202, 982 22 3202, 982 22 32, 982 22 32. Fax: 02/982 56 46, e-mail: izbor@mvr.bg.

We need your support so Novinite.com can keep delivering news and information about Bulgaria! Thank you!