Bulgaria: counting at 95.2%, GERB slightly ahead, 23.9%
Head-to-head. ITN populists at 23.6%. Turnout drops to 40%
12 July, 15:08GERB wins 23.91% of the votes, the ITN 23.66%. The socialist party BSP, the primary opponent of GERB, wins 13.63%. Three other political forces exceed the 4% barrier to enter into the unicameral parliament: the party 'Democratic Bulgaria' (right), with 12.55% of the vote, the party of the Turkish minority DPS with 10.59%, and the 'Stand up! Criminals out!' led by the former Ombudsman Maya Manolova (independent), with 5.04%.
According to the first exit polls collected yesterday, participation in the vote fell to an all-time low with less than 40% compared to 50.6% on April 4. (ANSA).