The Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria (GERB), the party led by outgoing Prime Minister Boyko Borissov came out ahead in the early general elections that took place in Bulgaria on 12th May. The definitive results confirmed the status quo marked by the impossibility for both biggest political parties to form a coalition government with an absolute majority. According to the electoral commission the party led by Boyko Borissov won 30.50% of the vote and 97 in the National Assembly. The Socialist Party (BSP), the main opposition party led by former Prime Minister Serguey Stanichev (2005-2009), won 26.61% of the vote and 84 seats. The Movement for Rights and Freedom (DPS) led by Lyutvi Mestan, which represents the Turkish minority in Bulgaria (around 8.8% of the population), took third place with 11.29% of the vote and 36 seats. Finally, Ataka, a far right party led by Volen Siderov, won 7.3% of the vote and 23 seats. Turnout was low: 51.33% of the Bulgarians voted in comparison with 62.22% in the previous general elections on 5th July 2009.
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