FACTBOX: Main political parties in Bulgaria

(Reuters) - Bulgaria held a parliamentary election on Sunday, important for the country's ability to overcome recession and combat widespread corruption and crime after years of reform inertia.

Here are facts about its main political parties.

GERB (Citizens for European Development of Bulgaria)

Set up in 2006, GERB draws much of its support from the popularity of its straight-talking leader Boiko Borisov, who is also Sofia mayor.

The 50-year-old former bodyguard to the late communist dictator Todor Zhivkov and ex-king Simeon II when he was prime minister between 2001-2005, has shot to fame on a pledge to get tough on crime bosses.

Political observers warn his ability to show results may be hampered if he is forced into a coalition government.

Borisov has said GERB will not enter into a coalition with the Socialists and their junior partner, the ethnic Turkish MRF, as well as the ultra-nationalist Attack.

Polls show it may garner about a third of the vote.

BULGARIAN SOCIALIST PARTY (BSP)