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Bulgarians elect new parliament Upset for Bulgaria's socialists
(about 17 hours later)
Bulgarians have begun voting in parliamentary elections. Exit polls in Bulgaria indicate the centre-right party led by ex-body guard and Mayor of Sofia Boiko Borisov is heading for a significant victory.
The main issues in the run-up to the polls were the impact of the global economic crisis and the Socialist-led cabinet's efforts to fight corruption. His Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria (GERB) looks set to take 40% of the vote - more than half that of the ruling Socialist Party.
Opinion polls give an opposition party, Citizens for the European Development of Bulgaria, a comfortable lead over the Socialists. But the BBC's Europe correspondent says while it will be a remarkable win, it is not enough for GERB to govern alone.
At each general elections for the past 19 years, Bulgarians have voted the incumbent government out of power. Mr Borisov promised to end corruption and tackle the economic downturn.
Polls across the Balkan country opened at 0300 GMT and will close at 1600 GMT. It has been Bulgaria's first election since joining the European Union two years ago.
Nearly seven million people are entitled to vote.
The European Union, which Bulgaria joined in 2007, remains very critical of Sofia's record in fighting corruption.
Last year, Bulgaria lost access to some of its EU funds for failing to deal with graft and organised crime.Last year, Bulgaria lost access to some of its EU funds for failing to deal with graft and organised crime.
Sergei Stanishev had hoped taking the country into the EU would win votes
The BBC's Nick Thorpe says Bulgarians have a habit of voting governments out of office, doing so at each general election for the past 19 years.
According to exit polls, Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev's Socialist Party is trailing far behind, with between 17% and 19% of the vote.
The ethnic Turkish Movement for Rights and Freedoms are placed third with around 12% and the ultra-nationalist Ataka party fourth, with 9%.
The exit polls give around 8% to Mr Borisov's preferred coalition partner, the Blue Coalition.
A stable governing coalition needs at least 121 seats in the 240 seat parliament.
The first official results are expected early on Monday.