site.btaNo Polling Stations for Elections Will Be Opened in Middle East Conflict-Zone, Caretaker Foreign Minister Says

Bulgaria will not open polling stations in countries located in the Middle East conflict zone for the April 19 early parliamentary elections, caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky said at a news conference at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday, citing the escalating security situation in the region and the need to protect Bulgarian citizens there.

“At this stage, it’s decided not to open polling stations because we believe people’s lives could be put at risk. Gathering of groups could always become a target for a terrorist attack,” the Minister explained.

Neynsky added that the situation remains highly dynamic and will continue to be monitored, but for now the authorities believe that the interest in holding elections cannot outweigh concerns for the safety of the people in the region.