By Tsvetelia Tsolova

SOFIA, Reuters – On Sunday, Bulgarians voted in the third parliamentary election of this year. However, opinion polls point to another unconclusive result, which could hinder efforts to reduce high energy prices and increase COVID-19 filings.

A failure to resolve a political crisis and create a functional cabinet in one of the EU’s most impoverished member states could slow down plans to have the country adopt the euro by 2024.

A vote for president, which is a largely ceremonial position, will take place on Sunday. According to polls, Rumen Radev (58), is expected to be reelected for another five-year term. This will happen after the likely run-off vote of Nov. 21.

Bulgaria is currently in political turmoil since April when election results ended the decade-long rule by Boyko Borossov, former Prime Minister and centre-right GERB Party leader. This was after massive anti-graft protests were held against Borissov last year.

His opponents, who were the “parties of change”, had to rely on their policy differences and compete for the right to form a government coalition following the April election, and another one in July.

GERB has used the rising costs of energy and the deadlock to its advantage, as well as a rise in COVID-19 and death rates in EU countries that are least vaccinated. This helped it gain support from loyalists.

According to the latest polls, 24% of the public supports the party. This puts it in line for being the largest parliamentarian.

Analysts say Borissov (62), a former bodyguard to late Communist dictator Todor Zhivkov is unlikely to form a coalition.

The new centerist party, which pledges “zero corruption” was founded by two Harvard-educated interim ministers. It is believed to have the greatest chance of leading talks on a new administration that will include two anti-graft factions as well as the Socialists.

The party is called “We Continue the Change”. It appears that the Socialists are tied for second with the newly formed party. Both have support of around 15-16%.

According to Dobromir Zhivkov, analyst at Market Links, “For the moment, a government around so-called parties for change and the Socialists looks more likely.”

Ivailo Mihailov (52-year-old engineer) said that he hopes Sunday’s elections will produce a coalition of ruling parties to tackle high-level corruption in his country, which is ranked as the most corrupt EU state member by Transparency International.

He said, “The biggest problem is or rather lack of justice in the judiciar system.” Nothing good can happen until a leading politician or businessman is actually sent to prison.

Thousands joined protests by Bulgarians during the middle of 2020. Borissov was accused of cozying up with chief prosecutor in order to gain local oligarchs, and business associates to his GERB party.

Borissov denials any wrongdoing.

The polls are open from 7 AM (0500 GMT) to 8 PM (1800 GMT)