The Bulgarian electorate has grown weary of repeated trips to the polls, with a wave of voter fatigue particularly hitting the 18-29 year old demographic.
Migrating Youths
The Bulgarian electorate has grown weary of repeated trips to the polls, with a wave of voter fatigue particularly hitting the 18-29 year old demographic.
Trust in the electoral process has plummeted, as mounting government corruption and the rise of right-wing influence drive Bulgaria’s younger generations not only away from the polls but, in many cases, away from the country itself.
When comparing the National Statistical Institute (NSI) data from the census in 2011 and that in 2021, it becomes clear that the young population (15-29 years old), in Bulgaria have decreased by 37%, reducing their share in the total population structure from 18.4% in 2011, to 13.1% in 2021.
Since the 2017 Parliamentary election, the Bulgarian government has entered a cycle of snap elections and gridlock. With the continued strength of the right-wing party GERB, the future of Bulgaria and its citizens has significantly become threatened.
Disengagement
The Bulgarian electorate has entered polling stations 7 times since 2021. In the early election of June 2024, over 400,000 potential voters were undecided on whether or not they will vote, and for whom. No one is surprised at the appalling voter turnout, Bulgaria has become the only country within the European Union to hit record lows, election results are predicted and expected before counts begin.
[1]With only 10% of the population having trust in Bulgarian elections as of 2024, the government is faced with the challenge of winning back support and most importantly, rebuilding the democracy of the country.
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[1] Zapryanova.G. & Tonkov.P, “No One Trusts Elections Less Than Bulgarians”. news.gallup.com, published 22 Oct 2024.
While the radical right continues to gain popularity, rather than choosing to be swayed, young voters simply stop going to the polling stations. The young electorate has two options at every election: cast a vote and let it be manipulated or, not attend the polling stations and let the status quo win.
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[2] Data & Graph by: Ivo Ivanov, 2025
[2]It is evident that the young electorate is demanding for a change in government with voter apathy taken over the population.[3]We witnessed a silent summer at the polls in the 2024 June election with a historic voter turnout of 34.4%, and with only 12.8% of voters aged 18-29.
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[3] Data & Graph by: Ivo Ivanov, 2025
The Future of Bulgaria
Bulgaria’s younger population is in decline, the prospect of an increased voter participation among 18–29-year-olds remains bleak, raising concerns about youth disengagement from the political system.
Sources used :
- ● https://.nsi.bg/en/content/3077/census
- ● https://www.bta.bg/en/european-elections-2024/681847-mediana-poll-over-400-000-potential-voters-are-still-undecided
Graphs and Images :
- ● https://news.gallup.com/poll/652433/no-one-trusts-elections-less-bulgarians.aspx
- ● Ivo Ivanov, 2025
- ● Ivo Ivanov, 2025