Bulgaria European Parliament Election 2009
On Sunday, 7 June 2009, Bulgaria held its elections to determine the delegation representing the nation in the European Parliament. This electoral cycle was marked by significant shifts in party influence and adjustments to the total number of seats allocated to the country due to evolving European treaties.
Key Facts
- Election Date: 7 June 2009.
- Voter Turnout: 37.5%.
- Total Seats: 18 seats (following the Treaty of Lisbon).
- Winning Party: GERB, led by Rumiana Jeleva.
- Major Alliances: EPP, S&D, ALDE, and NI.
Seat Allocation and Treaty Impacts
The number of Bulgarian delegates was subject to change based on international agreements. Under the Treaty of Nice, which became active in November 2004, Bulgaria's representation was initially decreased from 18 seats (as seen in 2007) to 17 delegates.
However, following the ratification of the Treaty of Lisbon, the allocation increased back to 18 seats. This adjustment resulted in the Blue Coalition receiving a second seat.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Detailed Election Results
The 2009 election saw a diverse range of political parties competing for influence. GERB emerged as the leading party, securing 5 seats with 24.36% of the popular vote, showing a positive swing of 2.68.
The Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (DPS) followed as the second and third largest forces. While the BSP maintained 4 seats, the DPS saw a decrease, winning 3 seats with 14.14% of the vote.
Performance of Minor Parties
Other parties also secured representation, though with fewer seats. Ataka won 2 seats, while the NDSV and the Blue Coalition each secured representation based on their respective percentages of the popular vote.
| Party | Leader | Alliance | Popular Vote | Percentage | Seats Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GERB | Rumiana Jeleva | EPP | 627,693 | 24.36% | 5 |
| BSP | Ivaylo Kalfin | S&D | 476,618 | 18.50% | 4 |
| DPS | Filiz Hyusmenova | ALDE | 364,197 | 14.14% | 3 |
| Ataka | Dimitar Stoyanov | NI | 308,052 | 11.96% | 2 |
| NDSV | Meglena Kuneva | ALDE | 205,146 | 7.96% | 1 |
| Blue Coalition | Nadezhda Mihaylova | EPP | 204,817 | 7.95% | 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the 2009 European Parliament election held in Bulgaria?
The election took place on Sunday, 7 June 2009.
How did the Treaty of Nice and Treaty of Lisbon affect Bulgaria's seats?
The Treaty of Nice reduced Bulgaria's seats from 18 to 17. Subsequently, the Treaty of Lisbon increased the number back to 18, which granted an additional seat to the Blue Coalition.
Which party received the highest percentage of the popular vote?
GERB received the highest percentage of the popular vote at 24.36%, totaling 627,693 votes.
What was the voter turnout for this election?
The voter turnout for the 2009 election was 37.5%.
Which European alliances were represented by the Bulgarian parties?
The parties were aligned with the European People's Party (EPP), the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), and Non-Inscrits (NI).