Headline: Bulgaria‘s Parliament Rushes Through Five Election Reform Bills; DPS-DPS Opposes All
In a swift and somewhat chaotic session, Bulgaria’s National Assembly approved five election law amendments in just over an hour, with minimal debate. The voting concluded at 18:15, leaving many questions unanswered and concerns unaddressed.
Key Debate Points and Votes:
- Restore Trust’s (ITN) proposal: 202 For, 8 Against (DPS-DPS), 9 Abstained (DPS-DPS)
- BSP‘s proposal: 200 For, 3 Against (DPS-DPS), 15 Abstained (DPS-DPS)
- Democratic Bulgaria’s (DB) proposal: 174 For, 37 Against (28 DPS-NN, 9 DPS-DPS), 9 Abstained (DPS-DPS)
- PP’s proposal: 172 For, 39 Against (DPS faction), 6 Abstained (DPS-DPS)
- Revival‘s proposal: 171 For, 45 Against (28 DPS-NN, 17 DPS-DPS), 1 Abstained (DPS-DPS)
The session began at 9:00 AM and culminated around 17:04, with a single, unofficial 45-minute recess. Representatives had just one official 15-minute break, which was extended unofficially. Each party presented its amendatory motions, with DPS-DPS being the sole party to oppose all proposals.
DPS-DPS’s Concerns and Stance:
DPS-DPS deputy Rembzi Osman criticized the rushed process, arguing that past changes to the Electoral Code (IK) had failed to address key issues. He warned that the current proposals could lead to confusion, with potential disenfranchisement of Bulgarian voters abroad andChaotic handling of ballot papers due to the removal of party numbers.
Osman argued that the focus should be on changing politicians’ behavior, not just electoral rules. He expressed doubt that the proposals would address issues like voter turnout and fraud. DPS-DPS demanded that the law changes be reconsidered in a calmer atmosphere, not rushed through before elections.
Other deputies, including ITN’s Alexander Rashhev and Revival’s Svetoslav Todorov, welcomed the debate but voiced support for the respective party proposals, expressing hope that a compromise could be reached during the second reading.
The Assembly then moved on to discussing the Judiciary Act, adjourning around 21:00.
