School holidays in Austria kept many Bulgarians from voting

There were 17 polling stations for Bulgaria’s presidential election in Austria, eight of them in the capital. A sense of duty and belonging to Bulgaria has brought our compatriots to the polls at one of the stations located at the Permanent Representation of Bulgaria in Vienna.

Nevertheless, voter turnout was significantly lower than at the most recent parliamentary elections, held in April this year. This is what we learn from Martina Shopova-Yanev, a member of a precinct election commission.

“This is due to something specific to Austria: the autumn school holidays have begun, and since yesterday many people have been travelling on long-planned trips or holidays that they had already booked and were unable to cancel. We expect turnout to be much higher if a run-off takes place next week.”

One of the responsibilities of the head of state is to remain close to Bulgarians abroad, listen to their concerns and offer solutions. Martina expects the new president to fulfil this role, and hopes to see her homeland among the top performers in international rankings of positive achievements.

“This is what I expect from every presidential candidate. I hope we will have a president and vice president who will be actively involved in the lives of Bulgarians abroad, not just on paper or during election campaigns, and who will help address our problems. These often concern exercising our right to vote and making the voting process easier. We therefore hope the incoming presidential team will take a more active approach to these issues, rather than showing interest only during election campaigns.”

Read also:

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Bulgarians in Geneva: Lack of open debate is missed chance in election campaign

Vladimir Perev from Skopje: A campaign is needed for votersin North Macedonia

English: R. Petkova