Bulgarian Expat Voting Surge: Applications Up 50% Ahead of Elections
A significant increase in applications for voting abroad is being reported as Bulgaria prepares for upcoming elections. As of March 24, 2026, over 46,200 applications have been confirmed, a rise of more than 50% compared to the 30,689 approved applications for the October 27, 2024, election. This level of interest is comparable to the 47,389 applications received on April 2, 2023.
Increased Demand in Key Countries
The surge in applications is particularly notable from the United Kingdom and the United States. Applications from Great Britain have exceeded 8,031, a substantial increase from the 1,943 approved in the last parliamentary vote and the 2,326 in the June 2024 elections for the European and national parliaments. Interest in voting from the US has tripled, with 3,432 applications received as of Monday, compared to 1,210 in October 2024 – the highest level in the last five years.
Challenges with Section Availability
Recent changes to the Electoral Code have limited the number of polling sections in countries outside the European Union to 20, excluding those at diplomatic missions. This has created challenges in accommodating the increased demand. Authorities are exploring options to open additional sections within embassies and consulates. For example, seven sections are being considered for the embassy in London, compared to the one to three sections previously available. Plans include two sections in Istanbul and three in Ankara.
However, physical limitations are hindering expansion in some locations. The Bulgarian consulate in Bursa, Turkey, a city with a large expatriate population, is too small to accommodate two polling sections.
Turkey Remains a Key Voting Hub
Turkey continues to be the country with the most applications, with over 10,481 submitted so far. This represents a doubling of interest in less than three years, compared to 18,275 in October 2024, 23,573 in June 2024, and 28,286 in 2023.
Other Countries and Potential Concerns
Interest has also increased in Germany (over 3,500 more applications) and Spain (over 2,600 more applications). The situation in the Middle East is being monitored due to ongoing conflicts, with relatively low application numbers reported as of Monday: 11 from Israel, 6 each from Kuwait and Qatar, 98 from the United Arab Emirates, one from Saudi Arabia, and none from Iran and Lebanon.
Increased Reports of Election Violations
Alongside the rise in voter applications, authorities have reported a significant increase in reported election violations. As of Monday morning, 151 reports had been filed, compared to only 16 in the previous elections – an 843% increase. 30 individuals have been detained, and 53 pre-trial proceedings have been initiated.
CEC Decision and Future Outlook
The Central Election Commission (CEC) will decide on the final number and location of polling sections abroad by the end of March, after processing all applications. The number of sections will likely be lower than the 710 available in 57 countries during the 51st Parliament vote due to the new legal restrictions. The CEC has received letters from Bulgarians abroad requesting the opening of specific sections, but details on the countries involved have not been released.