Bulgaria heads to eighth election in five years amid hopes for breakthrough

Bulgarians head to the polls on Sunday for the eighth parliamentary election in just five years, as the country continues to grapple with prolonged political instability. 

The latest vote comes amid signs of voter fatigue, but also renewed expectations that a breakthrough may finally be within reach.

This election features an unusual contender: former president Rumen Radev, a retired Air Force fighter pilot who stepped down from his post several months ago to enter parliamentary politics. 

Radev says his aim is to help break the political deadlock that has defined Bulgaria's recent history. His main rivals include former prime minister Boyko Borisov and the pro-European coalition We Continue the Change.

Campaign billboards have become a familiar sight across Bulgaria, reflecting the frequency of elections in recent years. However, analysts say many voters have grown disillusioned after previous votes failed to produce stable governments. 

According to Antoaneta Hristova from the Institute for Population and Human Research, this has contributed to declining motivation among voters.

"Many people accuse citizens of not voting. I don't blame them at all, because voting when you are not convinced that you will achieve even a small step toward change does not feel meaningful. People ask themselves, 'Why should I do this?' And that's why they prefer to stay home," she said.

Despite this, some voters in the capital, Sofia, expressed cautious optimism that the latest election could produce a different outcome.

"The difference might be that we expect a massive turnout this time. The results could be different from the previous ones. I hope we will achieve something, just as the Hungarians did… eventually!" said local resident Olya Gospodinova.

Others see Radev as a potential agent of change.

At his final campaign rally in Sofia, Radev pledged not to form a coalition with existing political parties and instead called for a clear mandate.