Voters in Sofia sceptical that elections will make a difference

published on 10/27/24 5:46 PM

Photo: BTA

Bulgaria is holding its seventh election in three years. As in the last elections in June, turnout is low. According to a Radio Bulgaria vox populi poll in central Sofia, the general opinion is that what is needed is good governance. That means clear economic, health, social and demographic policies, for which there has been no political will in recent years.

Many of those who voted did so because they felt responsible, not because they trusted the political parties:

"I voted because I believe it's a fundamental right that democracy gives us today. It is extremely important to exercise our right to vote. We are responsible for the future - ours and our children's," says a middle-aged woman, a social worker by profession. "But when I see the state we're in, I think that only God, if He were to intervene, could offer a way out of this situation...".

A similar sentiment was expressed by an elderly man, an engineer, who voted in the hope that Bulgaria could emerge from its current situation. "We will know tonight when the next elections will be," he says. Asked if he has any hope for change, he replies:

"It's too early to say. I see a lot of apathy among the people. The polling stations are empty. Expectations for real change are very low, but the chances of more of the same aimless governance may actually be higher".

"People are disillusioned. They don't think their vote can make a difference. They don't like any of the political parties," said a woman in her 50s, a research chemist, who voted in the belief that she was doing her civic duty:

"Yes, I voted! Firstly, because it's one of the few rights we have, and secondly, because everyone has a responsibility. If you don't vote, you're essentially giving up that responsibility. So I urge everyone who hasn't voted yet - the polls are just around the corner. Take 15 to 20 minutes and go and vote.

Asked if she expects another election soon, she says: "I think so. They talk about compromise for the sake of a stable government, but as very different parties, they lack common ground. I don't see a majority forming for any party or coalition.

In order to change the current situation, we need to vote, no matter how vague and unclear the parties' programmes are: "In Bulgaria we have a law on compulsory voting, but there are no sanctions, which I think also suits the government and the parties. It suits them to have a very low turnout so that the paid vote and the corporate vote and whatever else they have in mind can pass".

Another woman, a pensioner, expressed a similar view: "I know very well that if I don't vote, I go into a category where my vote can be transferred to where I don't want it. There is a strange accounting transfer".

There are also non-voters who are very clear about why they do not want to vote:

"No party meets my criteria to vote for it," remarks a 40-year-old theologian who sees no way out of this situation. "It will probably be the same at the next election until someone comes along and bans parties for 10 years and introduces something else. In principle, I would vote for a new political party. You have to see a platform, a programme - otherwise it is just populism. Promises are made before the elections that are not kept, and that is why people do not vote. I am in favour of very serious reforms and I hope they will be implemented in the distant future.

Similarly, a young father with a degree in economics doesn't want to vote because he doesn't see any political representation that would motivate him to do so:

"Those who should theoretically represent my interests and the interests of my professional guild have done the opposite in recent years. Investments should go to other countries and not to Bulgaria at this stage".

According to him, there will be another election in a few months because the result is not going to change. "There may be something short-term for a year to put things back together...".

Such is the prognosis of a middle-aged woman, also an economist by training:

"We're already fed up! How many times do we vote now - seven times - enough! It's not that I don't want to, I just don't have the will! You need the will to go and vote, you need to be able to see the prospect of change. People have to have hope that there will be change - there is none! Some come, some go and the situation is the same and getting worse".

Photos: BTA, BGNES

Translated and posted in English by E. Radkova

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