Bulgarians hold fourth general election in 18 months amid turmoil

Bulgarians are voting in the fourth general election in 18 months (Valentina Petrova/AP)

Bulgarians are casting their votes in a general election – the fourth in 18 months – marked by a raging war nearby, political instability, and economic hardships in the European Union’s poorest member.

Polling stations opened at 7am (0400 GMT) on Sunday. The first exit poll results will be announced after polls close at 8pm (1700 GMT) and preliminary results are expected on Monday.