Residents in the small town of Lisitsite in southeastern Bulgaria are facing challenges in accessing polling stations for the upcoming election on Sunday. The town, with a largely elderly population of less than 20 residents, is remote and lacks proper infrastructure, making it difficult for residents to travel to polling stations. Many residents are disillusioned with the government and do not plan to vote, citing a lack of action in building better infrastructure in their town.
Nestled in the Eastern Rhodopes, Lisitsite can only be reached by boat or by walking along a railway and crossing a rope bridge. The elderly population in the town, many of whom are over 80 years old, find it physically challenging to travel to polling stations, leading to a lack of interest in participating in the election.
Bulgaria has seen a series of unstable coalitions and frequent elections in recent years, following mass anti-corruption protests that toppled a government in 2020. This Sunday’s election will be the seventh time people have voted for a new government in just three years. Voter turnout in the last election was at a record low of 34%, reflecting a growing sense of apathy among voters.
The challenges faced by residents in Lisitsite highlight the broader issues of infrastructure and disenchantment with the government in rural parts of Bulgaria. As the election approaches, it remains to be seen how these challenges will impact voter turnout and the overall political landscape in the country.
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