Bulgarians cast their votes in a parliamentary election on Sunday with the hope of initiating reforms to address widespread corruption and revive an economy that has been severely impacted by the global crisis. Opinion polls suggest that the Socialist party, which currently leads the coalition government, is expected to lose due to the country's recession and a culture of impunity for criminals and politicians, causing Bulgaria to be viewed as the EU's "black sheep." Last year, Bulgaria lost access to significant EU aid as a consequence of corruption. If the polls are accurate, the center-right opposition party led by Sofia Mayor Boiko Borisov, GERB, may have the opportunity to form a government, likely through another coalition. Borisov, a former bodyguard turned politician, has promised to address crime, although there are concerns about his ability to implement reforms effectively in potential coalition negotiations. Pollsters report that his party currently receives around 30 percent of the vote, while the ruling Socialists have 20 percent. A former teacher named Pepa Kozhuharova, 64, expressed her frustration with the government and the need for change as she cast her vote in a Sofia neighborhood. Many Bulgarians, worn out from two decades of sluggish reforms, have been won over by the straightforward and strong Borisov, who is nicknamed Batman for his proactive nature. "I voted for Boiko because he is the only one who can speak out against what is wrong, do what is right, and follow through with it," stated Maria Nikolova, 50, after voting in Sofia. The new government needs to act quickly to avoid additional EU sanctions that are crucial for funding Bulgaria's struggling economy and attracting investors who have left this year. It is uncertain if GERB will secure enough votes for a strong majority in the 240-member chamber alongside their planned coalition partners, the Blue Coalition - a coalition of right-wing parties. Despite taking Bulgaria into the EU, reducing taxes, and maintaining strict fiscal policies, the current government has been criticized for being ineffective and failing to break ties between politicians, judges, and criminals. Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, prosecutors are investigating numerous claims of vote-buying by multiple political parties prior to the election. Over the weekend, five individuals were arrested in connection to these allegations. European Union countries are also alarmed by the presence of suspected criminals who registered to run for parliament in order to gain temporary immunity from prosecution and release from custody. Bulgaria, facing economic challenges due to the global financial crisis, is currently in a recession after 12 years of growth. This has led to widespread protests as rising unemployment puts an end to years of excessive private spending and accumulation of debt. Experts predict a 2 percent economic contraction in 2009, and like other former Soviet bloc countries in the EU, Bulgaria may need to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund. Voting commenced at 6 a.m. (11 p.m. EDT on Sunday) and will conclude at 7 p.m., followed by the release of exit polls. At 6 a.m. EDT, the voter turnout was at 29.3 percent.