Bulgarians went to the polls on Sunday in hopes of jumpstarting reforms to address corruption and revive the economy after being hit hard by the global crisis. Opinion polls suggest that the Socialist party in power is likely to lose due to the recession and a culture of impunity for criminals and politicians. Last year, Bulgaria lost access to EU aid due to corruption. If polls are accurate, the opposition party led by Sofia Mayor Boiko Borisov may have a chance to form a new government, most likely through a coalition. Borisov, a former bodyguard turned politician, has promised to tackle crime, but there are concerns about his track record and the potential dilution of reforms in coalition talks. Pollsters say that his party currently receives around 30 percent of the vote, while the ruling Socialists have about 20 percent. "I am tired of the government," explained former teacher Pepa Kozhuharova, 64, as she voted in a Sofia neighborhood. "This country really needs a change. We need to prove that we no longer want corrupt politicians." Borisov, known for his straightforwardness and nicknamed Batman for his eagerness to take action, has gained popularity among Bulgarians who are weary of two decades of sluggish reforms. "I voted for Boiko because he is the only person who can speak up about what is right and wrong and actually take action on it," Maria Nikolova, 50, stated after voting in Sofia. The new government needs to act quickly to prevent EU sanctions on aid, which are crucial for Bulgaria's struggling economy, and to attract investors who have been leaving the country. It is uncertain if GERB will secure enough votes for a strong majority in the 240-seat chamber, especially with their planned coalition partners, the Blue Coalition. The current government successfully led Bulgaria into the EU, implemented tax cuts, and maintained strict fiscal policies. However, critics argue that they have been ineffective and have not done enough to separate politicians, judges, and criminal leaders. The depth of the problem is highlighted by prosecutors launching investigations into widespread allegations of vote-buying by all parties before the election. Five people were arrested on Saturday in connection with this issue. EU countries are concerned about suspected criminals running for parliament to gain temporary immunity and release from custody. Bulgaria, which had been experiencing growth for 12 years, is now in recession due to the global financial crisis. This has led to mass protests as rising unemployment has put an end to years of high private spending and accumulated debt. The economy is expected to shrink by 2 percent in 2009, and Bulgaria may seek International Monetary Fund aid, like some of its fellow former Soviet bloc countries in the EU. Voting commenced at 6 a.m. (11 p.m. EDT on Sunday) and will conclude at 7 p.m., followed by the prompt release of exit polls. By 6 a.m. EDT, turnout had reached 29.3 percent.