Bulgarians are voting in a parliamentary election in hopes of jumpstarting reforms to address corruption and repair an economy that has suffered from the global crisis. The Socialist party, currently leading the coalition government, is expected to lose due to recession and a culture of impunity for criminals and politicians, making Bulgaria an outcast in the European Union. Last year, the country lost access to EU aid due to corruption. The center-right opposition party, led by Sofia Mayor Boiko Borisov, may have the opportunity to form a new government, likely through a coalition. Borisov, a former bodyguard turned politician, has vowed to address crime, but there are concerns about his ability to implement reforms in a coalition government. Pollsters say that his party currently receives about 30 percent of the vote, while the ruling Socialists receive about 20 percent. A former teacher named Pepa Kozhuharova, 64, expressed her frustration with the government as she cast her vote in a Sofia neighborhood, stating that the country is in need of change and that corrupt politicians are no longer desired. Borisov, known for his straightforwardness and nicknamed Batman for his proactive approach, has gained popularity among Bulgarians who are tired of slow reforms over the past twenty years. After voting in Sofia, Maria Nikolova, 50, explained her support for Boiko because she believes he is the only man who can effectively address what is wrong and right and take action on it. The new government needs to act quickly to avoid EU sanctions on aid, which is crucial for Bulgaria's struggling economy, and to attract investors who have left the country. It is uncertain if GERB will secure enough votes for a solid majority in the 240-seat chamber with their planned coalition partners, the Blue Coalition. Despite the current government's efforts to bring Bulgaria into the EU and implement tax cuts and strict fiscal policies, critics argue that it has been ineffective and unwilling to break ties between politicians, judges, and criminal leaders. Highlighting the extent of the issue, prosecutors are investigating widespread accusations of vote-buying by all parties before the election, resulting in the arrest of at least five individuals on Saturday. Concerns have been raised by EU countries regarding suspected criminals participating in the parliamentary race to gain temporary immunity and release from custody. Bulgaria, facing a recession after 12 years of growth due to the global financial crisis, is experiencing mass protests as rising unemployment halts private spending and increases debt. The economy is projected to contract by 2 percent in 2009, and like other former Soviet bloc countries now in the EU, Bulgaria may turn to the International Monetary Fund for assistance. Voting began at 6 a.m. (11 p.m. EDT on Sunday) and will conclude at 7 p.m., followed by the release of exit polls. By 6 a.m. EDT, voter turnout was recorded at 29.3 percent.