GERB is the first political force because voter turnout is extremely low. Lyudmil Iliev, a journalist, stated this to BNR.
He analyzes the placement of Rosen Zhelyazkov at the head of the Eurolist.
"Mr. Zhelyazkov throughout his political career has been plugging holes wherever they appear. I wouldn't be surprised if his election lowers GERD results rather than improves them.
Ludmil Iliev also commented on Delyan Peevski's leadership position in Kardzhali.
"It is a sign of his continued rise in the DPS, as well as the fact that he is the real force in this party, and has been for quite some time. The place of the leader has always been in Kardzhali.
According to the journalist, Jevdet Chakarov has also been placed in the co-presidential seat, "in order to reassure both the Turkish Muslims in the country and the concerned people in neighboring Turkey".
Chakarov will also be the leader of the European DPS list. However, Iliev does not expect him to be sent to the European Parliament.
"The fact that he tops the Eurolist is a symbolic recognition for him".
Lyudmil Iliev also commented on the currently unconfirmed claims that Vladislav Goranov will return to the lists of GERB.
"I don't expect it to become a fact. It may have been just a feel of the soil for what the public reaction would be. But if it becomes a fact, it will be a colossal mistake on the part of Mr. Borisov. The rejection of "Magnitsky" will be perceived as a direct challenge to Washington. This is a risk GERB cannot take because of the reputational damage. The party shows that it cares a lot about what Bulgaria's Western partners think of it.
The leaders of the lists are important for the party headquarters, he further explained.
"People in our country continue to vote party-wise. The percentage of those who vote preferentially is increasing, but not enough. The Electoral Code, which is set up to tolerate party leaders and the election of party headquarters, is also to blame for this.