The political parties continue to find it difficult to reach the young voters. It turns out that attracting younger people as members of political parties is not enough to reach the young voters. The parties need to be more sincere and willing to address issues in various fields-culture, education, youth policy, etc.

Change is the most common word used in conversations among young people.

“I only want future and an opportunity for change”, said in an interview for BNR-Varna eighteen-year-old student Daniel Lukanov.

Daniel will vote for the first time at the forthcoming general elections at the end of the week, but he already knows what is important for him:

“He who wants to rule must first learn how not to be ruled. This is something the political candidates are lacking a lot.”

Other young people are also willing to cast their ballots. They have not yet decided who to vote for on April 4. However, they are convinced that they must vote, because in their view, voting is their civic duty, indicates a survey conducted by Valeri Velikov from BNR-Varna.

“I will definitely vote at the forthcoming elections, contends eighteen-year-old Vazkresia. We are young and want to change the status quo. However, voting is the only way to change the status quo, regardless of whether the people we vote for would enter the next Parliament or not.”

Vazkresia and her friends Viktoria and Andrea are interested in politics and the political developments in their country. Two of them are considering leaving Bulgaria and making career abroad. However, they would change their mind, if they feel that the much-desired change begins in this country. “We will know that change is here when young people are not willing to leave their country anymore”, contend the three Bulgarian students.

Their friends Georgi and Alexander will also cast their ballots on April 4. They voiced hopes that their votes would help reduce corruption and ensure greater transparency and accountability.

Konstantin Pramatarov, who studies political science and Chinese in Vienna, will also exercise his constitutional right to vote. He wants to return to Bulgaria one day, but until then, this country’s authorities must solve a series of social and political problems.

“The motivation of the government to help the young people return to Bulgaria and contribute to the development of our economy is something that can make me go back to my home country”, said Konstantin.

Sociologist Mira Radeva has a very long experience in this field and knows well the profiles of all voters. In her view, competence and responsibility are the factors that make young people be more active during the polling day:

“The eighteen-year-old people are willing to vote, because they do something new. However, all surveys indicate that they are less competent and find it difficult to choose. In such cases, they consult their close relatives, if these people talk about politics at all.”

Young people are encouraged to vote when they become parents, said Mira Radeva:

“Then, they start thinking about all problems related to taxes, prices, wages, budget, healthcare and education, which are of direct concern to them, because they become responsible for someone else. They start to develop competence and knowledge and become more active.”

Compiled by: Yoan Kolev (interview by Valeri Velikov, BNR-Varna)

English version: Kostadin Atanasov