Bulgarian parliamentary election, 2005 - Elections were held on June 25, 2005, for the 240 members of the National Assembly. According to exit polls, the Leftist Coalition for Bulgaria had a lead with around 31%, but without a majority, necessitating the creation of a coalition. The National Movement for Simeon II, in power before the election, was in second place, with around 21%. Third was the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, mainly supported by ethnic Turks, with around 13%.

At least 6,000 candidates (from 22 parties) ran for election to the 240 member parilament. The turnout of 56% was the lowest on record. 4% of the votes are needed to gain a seat.

The opposition Leftist Coalition, headed by Bulgarian Socialist Party lead the election, but did not gain an outright majority. Sergei Stanishev, leader of the socialist party, stated he would attempt to form a governing coalition. "We won the confidence of the people ... We are ready to form a government ... and we will negotiate with any democratic party," Stanisheve said in a press conference.

In the last six free elections held since 1989, no government has been re-elected -- each has had to implement stringent economic and social reforms, since the fall of communism, and has lost popular support as a result.

For a political analysis of the 2005 parliamentary elections see Europe and the Parliamentary Elections in Bulgaria, 25th June 2005 published by the European Parties Elections and Referendums Network.

Results