Deputies Impose First Reading on Five Bills Aimed at amending the Electoral Code
Bulgarian lawmakers have submitted five draft laws for the first reading that propose significant changes to the country’s Electoral Code. The bills have been tabled by various political parties, including "Има такъв народ" (ITN), "Възраждане" (Revival), "БСП – Обединена левица" (BSP – United Fusion), and two from the ruling coalition of "Продължаваме промяната" (PP) – "Демократична България" (DB).
ITN’s draft law proposes changes to the method of compiling electoral lists, introduces changes to the parapets and voting booths, creates precinct election commissions, and delays the implementation of foreign-based constituency voting. Additionally, it suggests the establishment of brand new precinct election commissions.
The bill presented by "Възраждане" suggests eliminating paper ballots and serial numbers on votes, while also expanding the number of voting sections in Bulgarian diplomatic missions abroad to as many as 20 per country within the European Union. It also proposes reforms to the criteria for selecting members of the Central Election Commission (CEC), focusing on their political neutrality and professional experience.
Meanwhile, "БСП – Обединена левица" (BSP – United Left) has proposed the establishment of regional precincts and active voter registration to address the issue of "phantom voters." BSP representatives cited numerous irregularities in previous elections as the impetus for these changes.
The coalition of "Продължаваме промяната" – "Демократична България" (PP-DB) has presented two draft laws, both advocating for the creation of precinct commissions to address various shortcomings in the current system. These changes include the implementation of an active voter registration system, the reintroduction of the machine protocol, and updates to voter lists.
These developments follow the recent approval of draft laws concerning changes to the Electoral Code and the Law on Religions by the Legal Affairs Committee.
