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Bulgaria

Boundary Delimitation

BD01 Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
a. Yes

Comments: For the purposes of holding elections, the territory of the country shall be divided into 31 multi-seat constituencies, including three constituencies in the city of Sofia and two constituencies in the city of Plovdiv. The other constituencies shall coincide with the boundaries of administrative regions.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 39 paragraph (1).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:19:45 UTC

BD02 The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
a. The legislature (national/subnational)

Comments: The President also has some authority on this issue.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 39 paragraph (1). Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:19:45 UTC

BD03 On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
a. "Equality" of population
d. Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries

Comments: For the purposes of holding elections, the territory of the country shall be divided into 31 multi-seat constituencies, including three constituencies in the city of Sofia and two constituencies in the city of Plovdiv. The other constituencies shall coincide with the boundaries of administrative regions.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 39 paragraph (1).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:19:45 UTC

BD04 If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
a. Total population

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament, article 39 paragraph (19).
Last updated: 2004-11-19 10:39:46 UTC

BD05 The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
a. Legislature (specify chamber)

Comments: And the President.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 39. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:19:45 UTC

BD06 What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
m. Not applicable

Comments: This does not apply; only the number of preassigned mandates for the regions may depend on the population.
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:19:45 UTC

Direct Democracy

DD01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
a. Name and Title: Mihail Mihaylov Konstantinov
b. Job Title: Vice-Chair
c. Organisation: Central Election Commission of Bulgaria
d. Contact Address. 1169 Sofia, Bulgaria; University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, 1046 Sofia, Bulgaria
f. Facsimile: +359-2-9403527
g. Email: mmk_fte@uacg.bg; mikon@abv.bg

Comments: Web site: http://uacg.bg/pw/mmk
Last updated: 2006-11-02 14:41:15 UTC

DD02 Which forms of direct democracy, if any, are currently possible at the national level? Please check the glossary for the definition of the following terms:
b. Optional referendum

Comments: There are nationwide and local referendums possible, as well as signatures and (local) general assemblies of the population. No nationwide referendum has been carried out since 1989 (neither before). Local (municipal) referendums have been carried out in several occasions since 1989.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria (adopted July, 1991): Article 10; Article 84, point 5. Law for Referendums (adopted November 1996, modified 1999), Article 2.
Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD03 What is the legal basis for mandatory referendums at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-02 15:27:36 UTC

DD04 What is the legal basis for optional referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation

Comments: National referendums shall be called by the National Assembly based on a proposal by a) 1/4 of the MPs (the total number of MPs is 240), b)the Council of Ministers and c) the President of the Republic. No initiatives and no recalls are provided in the existing legislation as well as mandatory referendums.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria (adopted July, 1991): Article 10; Article 84, point 5. Law for Referendums (adopted November 1996, modified 1999), Article 6
Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD05 What is the legal basis for citizens' initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-02 15:27:36 UTC

DD06 What is the legal basis for agenda initiatives at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-02 15:27:36 UTC

DD07 What is the legal basis for recalls at the national level?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-02 15:27:36 UTC

DD08 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for mandatory referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-02 15:27:36 UTC

DD09 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for optional referendums at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
a. Constitutional
b. Specific laws/legislation

Comments: National referendums shall be called by the National Assembly based on a proposal by a) 1/4 of the MPs (the total number of MPs is 240), b)the Council of Ministers and c) the President of the Republic. No initiatives and no recalls are provided in the existing legislation as well as mandatory referendums.
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria (adopted July, 1991): Article 10; Article 84, point 5. Law for Referendums (adopted November 1996, modified 1999), Article 6.
Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD10 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for citizens' initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-02 15:51:36 UTC

DD100 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD101 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD102 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD103 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD104 What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD105 Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD106 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a referendum?
a. Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms

Source: Law for referendums, article 11
Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:34:27 UTC

DD107 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in an initiative?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:35:38 UTC

DD108 Which organisation(s), if any, is responsible for running non-partisan information or voter education campaigns to inform voters about the issue being addressed in a recall?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:35:38 UTC

DD109 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
a. Information booklets
b. Leaflets and pamphlets
c. Radio broadcasts
d. TV broadcasts
e. Press advertisements
f. Website

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:35:38 UTC

DD11 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for agenda initiatives at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-02 15:51:36 UTC

DD110 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
i. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:35:38 UTC

DD111 What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
i. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:35:38 UTC

DD112 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
g. None

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:40:08 UTC

DD113 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
h. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:40:08 UTC

DD114 Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
h. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:40:08 UTC

DD115 What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:40:52 UTC

DD116 What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:41:24 UTC

DD117 What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:41:24 UTC

DD118 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. No campaign organisations

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:42:48 UTC

DD119 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:42:48 UTC

DD12 What is the legal basis for the administrative requirements for recalls at the national level? Tick as appropriate and specify the relevant constitutional, legal or regulatory provisions below.
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-02 15:51:36 UTC

DD120 Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:42:48 UTC

DD121 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
f. None

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:42:48 UTC

DD122 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:42:48 UTC

DD123 Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the “Comments” section below.
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:42:48 UTC

DD124 If free media access is provided, what are the criteria for allocating broadcast time / printing space?

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:30:28 UTC

DD125 Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
a. Yes

Comments: a) At least this is not forbidden in the Law for referendums.
Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:44:20 UTC

DD126 What restrictions or controls, if any, are there on media coverage of the campaign and/or issue during the relevant period?

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:30:28 UTC

DD13 When were direct democracy mechanisms first introduced into the legal framework at the national level? Date (yyyy)
b. Optional referendum 1991

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:30:28 UTC

DD14 When was an administrative framework for direct democracy mechanisms first introduced at the national level? Date (yyyy)
b. Optional referendum 1996

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:30:28 UTC

DD15 Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
a. Government (specify department)
b. Independent electoral commission

Comments: a) Yes (recently this is the Ministry of Administration and Administrative Reform) b) Yes (the Central Election Commission for Parliamentary Elevtions carries out also the national referendums) The system of election commissions (One Central Election Commission), 264 Municipal Election Commissions and about 12,300 Polling Station Commissions) carry out the referendums.
Source: Law for referendums, article 9-11
Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD16 Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
a. Yes

Source: Law for referendums, article 10-11
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:11:12 UTC

DD17 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:13:45 UTC

DD18 Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all regions/states/provinces

Source: Law for referendums
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:13:45 UTC

DD19 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:13:45 UTC

DD20 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:13:45 UTC

DD21 Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:16:49 UTC

DD22 Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:16:49 UTC

DD23 Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
a. Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes

Source: Law for referendums
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:16:49 UTC

DD24 Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:16:49 UTC

DD25 Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:16:49 UTC

DD26 Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
c. No

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:16:49 UTC

DD27 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
l. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:22:58 UTC

DD28 What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
b. Adoption of international treaties
c. Transfer of authority to international bodies
j. Other (specify)

Comments: j) All other issues in the competency of the National Assembly
Source: Law for referendums, article 5
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:24:26 UTC

DD29 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
a. Constitutional amendments
d. National sovereignty, national self-determination
e. Conflict between constitutional organs
h. Taxes and public expenditure commitments
j. Other (specify)

Comments: j) Issues of the competency of the Great National Assembly, the Juridical System and the Constitutional Court as well as issues for which a special law is adopted.
Source: Law for referendums, article 5
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:26:28 UTC

DD30 Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:33:42 UTC

DD31 Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
a. Government
c. President
f. Other (specify)

Comments: f) One fourth of the MPs (60 in our case since the National Assembly consists of 240 members)
Source: Law for referendums, article 6
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:40:14 UTC

DD32 Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:47:43 UTC

DD33 Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
d. Legislature

Comments: d) The National Assembly determines the referendum question
Source: Law for referendums, article 7
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:44:59 UTC

DD34 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:47:43 UTC

DD35 Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
a. The title of the proposal
d. The full text of the proposal

Comments: c) An explanatorý text is optional.
Source: Law for referendums, article 7
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:47:43 UTC

DD36 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:52:07 UTC

DD37 Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
d. Legislature

Comments: d) The National Assembly
Source: Law for referendums, article 7
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:50:11 UTC

DD38 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a mandatory referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
d. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:31:41 UTC

DD39 What, if any, are the quorum requirements for a optional referendum to be valid? Please specify numbers/percentages.
a. Turnout quorum 51
b. Approval quorum 51

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:31:41 UTC

DD40 What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:54:18 UTC

DD41 What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
a. Simple majority (>50%)

Source: Law for referendums, article 17
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:54:18 UTC

DD42 In which areas, if any, do regulatory provisions differ between a referendum and a national election? Tick all that apply and specify below in the comments section.
g. None

Comments: There are no differences in the conditions for voting between parliamentary elections and referendums. There is no postal voting in elections and referendums in Bulgaria.
Source: Law for referendums, article 2
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:56:24 UTC

DD43 When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:57:54 UTC

DD44 When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
b. Under certain circumstances (specify below)

Comments: b) Unless a special law requires an additional approval.
Source: Law for referendums, article 3
Last updated: 2006-11-03 13:57:54 UTC

DD45 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:02:43 UTC

DD46 Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:02:43 UTC

DD47 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:02:43 UTC

DD48 Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
l. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:02:43 UTC

DD49 Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the “Comments” section below.
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:02:43 UTC

DD51 What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD52 Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD53 Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD54 Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
h. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD55 Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD56 Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD58 If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD59 Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens’ initiative?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD60 At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD61 What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD62 When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD63 Who decides the final ballot text?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD64 Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD65 Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
k. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD66 What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD67 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to the time period in which an individual/position can be recalled?
b. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD68 If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
d. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD69 When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-03 14:04:49 UTC

DD70 If a separate ballot to replace an individual who has been recalled takes place, how soon after the recall ballot is it held?
b. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD71 Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD72 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an abrogative referendum (optional)? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD73 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a rejective referendum (optional)? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD74 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a citizens' initiative? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD75 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for an agenda initiative? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD76 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD77 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD78 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD79 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD80 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD81 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD82 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD83 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD84 How many verified signatures are required to start the formal decision-making stage for a recall? Indicate figures in the appropriate boxes. If more than one answer exists for any individual box, explain in the comment section.
e. Not applicable X

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD85 What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
c. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:35:29 UTC

DD86 What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD87 Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD88 Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD89 Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD90 Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD91 Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
g. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD92 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD93 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD94 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD95 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD96 What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
e. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD97 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD98 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

DD99 What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
f. Not applicable

Last updated: 2006-11-30 10:36:43 UTC

Electoral Management

EM01 Please provide the following contact information for the national electoral management body:
a. Name of Institution Central Election Commission
b. Full Address 1, Alexander Batemberg sq. Sofia 1169 Bulgaria
c. Telephone +359-2-9393567
d. Facsimile +359 2 9861679
g. Name and Title of Chairperson/President Prof. Dimityr Kostov
h. Information Officer Prof. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice President
i. Official language of the electoral law governing national elections Bulgarian

Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:14:33 UTC

EM02 Does this national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
a. National level
b. Regional level
c. Local level

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament, article 23, and other Election Laws.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:14:33 UTC

EM03 The national electoral management body reports to:
a. The President
c. The legislature

Comments: Depends on whether it is parliamentary (a) or presidential (c)elections.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 113 paragraph (6). Presidential Elections Act. Lena Djelepova, Chair of the Central Election Commission, tel. + 359 297 11 002/350
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:06:16 UTC

EM04 The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
c. The legislature
d. A national government department

Source: Constitution, article 84. Elections of Members of Parliament, article 7.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:06:16 UTC

EM05 The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
d. A national government department

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:14:33 UTC

EM06 The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
d. Other

Comments: For the election period and after that for the term of the body elected; for example the Central Election Commission for Parliamentary Elections exists until the next parliamentary elections
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament, article 8. Presidential Elections Act, article 5.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:06:16 UTC

EM07 The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
b. Legislative appointment
d. Presidential/ Prime Minister appointment

Comments: Depending on whether it is a parliamentary (d) or a presidental (b) election. Sometimes the Commission elects its own chairperson.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament, article 9 (paragraph 1), Presidential Elections Act, article 5. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:06:16 UTC

EM08 According to official sources, what was the estimated overall cost (in US dollars if available) of the most recent national elections?
a. estimated total: 8 000 000 USD

Comments: 8 000 000 USD
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act. (Jan 2007)
Last updated: 2008-01-21 13:06:16 UTC

EM09 What was the total number of registered voters or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters?
a. Total number: 6

Comments: 6 450 000
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:14:33 UTC

EM10 What was the spending (in USD) per registered voter (NOT actual voters) or, where there was no voter roll, the estimated number of eligible voters at the last general elections?
a. USD/registered voter 1,24

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:14:33 UTC

EM11 What are the approximate proportions (%) of total election expenditure for the last national elections devoted to the following?

Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:14:33 UTC

Electoral Systems

ES01 How is the Head of State selected?
c. Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)

Source: Constitution, article 93 (paragraphs 4 and 5).
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 19:26:45 GMT

ES02 How is the Head of Government selected?
c. Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament

Source: Constitution, article 99.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 19:27:03 GMT

ES03 Does the country have a president?
a. Yes

Source: Constitution, article 92.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:32:32 UTC

ES04 The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
a. One chamber

Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:32:51 UTC

ES05 What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
g. List Proportional Representation

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 6 (paragraphs 1 and 2).
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 19:30:49 GMT

ES06 What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
k. The national legislature consists of one chamber only

Source: Constitution, article 62-64.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:33:26 UTC

ES07 If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
a. d'Hondt Formula

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles 6 (paragraph 2) and 107.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 19:30:14 GMT

ES08 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
a. National level

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles 99-101 and 106-107.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 19:31:41 GMT

ES09 What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
d. Not applicable

Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:34:12 UTC

ES10 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
b. No

Source: Constitution. Elections of Members of Parliament Act.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:34:37 UTC

ES11 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 1, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved for:
e. Not applicable X

Comments: No seats reserved for specific groups.
Source: Constitution. Elections of Members of Parliament Act.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:35:04 UTC

ES12 Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
c. The national legislature consists of one chamber only

Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:35:19 UTC

ES13 If special constituencies or seats are reserved in Chamber 2, specify which interest groups, and the proportion of total seats reserved:
e. Not applicable X

Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:37:25 UTC

ES14 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
b. Specify the percentage:

Comments: 4%
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles 6 (paragraph 3) and 108 (paragraph 1).
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 19:39:07 GMT

ES15 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable

Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:37:51 UTC

ES16 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
b. Specify the percentage:

Comments: An independent candidate who carries at least as many votes as the constituency quota (4%) shall participate in the allocation of seats.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles 6 (paragraph 3) and 104 (paragraph 2).
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 19:41:34 GMT

ES17 What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
c. Not applicable

Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:38:41 UTC

ES18 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
a. At fixed intervals (specify length)

Comments: a.) Every 4 years Elections shall be held within two months from the date that the National Assembly's mandate expires, on a non-working day.
Source: Constitution, article 64 (paragraph 3). Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 5 (paragraph 1).
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:44:20 UTC

ES19 Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
e. Not applicable

Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:44:46 UTC

ES20 Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
a. Voting takes place on one day

Source: Election of Members of Parliament Act, article 5 (paragraph 1).
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 19:44:59 GMT

ES21 Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
c. Not applicable

Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:45:16 UTC

Legislative Framework

LF01 What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
a. Part of Constitution
b. Separate legislation

Comments: a) Partially regulated in Constitution b) Completely regulated in separate legislation in accordance with the Constitution; there are five separate laws for different elections and also a Law on referenda
Source: Constitution. Political Parties Act. Elections of Members of Parliament Act. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:07:55 UTC

LF02 What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
a. January 2000 or later

Comments: Different laws are updated on different dates; all laws are versions after August, 2003.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act and other Election Laws.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:07:55 UTC

LF03 The national electoral law covers:
a. National elections
c. Local elections
d. Referendums
e. Other

Comments: Presidential and parliamentary elections, for members of the European Parliament and local elections. General local elections are held every 4 years and are considered as nationwide. There are many different electoral laws that regulate these different elections.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act and other Election Laws
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:07:55 UTC

LF04 Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
a. Voting is voluntary

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 3.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 15:46:40 UTC

LF05 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require regional and/ or local election (s) to be held on the same day as national elections?
a. National elections are not held on the same day as regional or local elections

Comments: There is no legal provision ordering the relation between the two elections.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 5, and other Election Laws.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:07:55 UTC

LF06 Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
a. Presidential elections are not held on the same day as national legislative elections

Comments: There is no legal provision ordering the relation between the two elections.
Source: Constitution, articles 64 and 93, and other Election Laws. Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 5.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:07:55 UTC

LF07 What are the agency(ies) responsible for first level of formal electoral disputes?
a. Judiciary
b. EMB

Comments: Formal electoral disputes have no uniform forum. It depends on the dispute to determine which forum is competent. (Electoral Management Body, Court, Constitutional Court.)
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 24. paragraph (3), article 28 paragraph (8)-(9), article 32 paragraph (4), article 40 paragraph (3), article 48 paragraph (3) and article 58. paragraph (1). Presidential Elections Act, article 7 paragraph (2), article 10(f) paragraph (3), article 10(n) paragraph (1)-(5) and article 18 paragraph (3). Political Parties Act, article 9 paragraph (4) and article 23. paragraph (2).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:07:55 UTC

LF08 If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
h. Not applicable

Comments: The agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are not specially appointed/elected.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 19:50:31 GMT

LF09 Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
a. Candidates
b. Parties
c. Voters

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 24. paragraph (3), article 28 paragraph (8)-(9), article 32 paragraph (4), article 40 paragraph (3), article 48 paragraph (3) and article 58. paragraph (1). Presidential Elections Act, article 7 paragraph (2), article 10(f) paragraph (3), article 10(n) paragraph (1)-(5) and article 18 paragraph (3). Political Parties Act, article 9 paragraph (4) and article 23. paragraph (2).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:07:55 UTC

LF10 What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
a. Electoral Management Body
b. Constitutional (or similar) Court
c. Superior Court

Comments: Depending on the nature of the electoral dispute.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 24. paragraph (3), article 28 paragraph (8)-(9), article 32 paragraph (4), article 40 paragraph (3), article 48 paragraph (3) and article 58. paragraph (1). Presidential Elections Act, article 7 paragraph (2), article 10(f) paragraph (3), article 10(n) paragraph (1)-(5) and article 18 paragraph (3). Political Parties Act, article 9 paragraph (4) and article 23. paragraph (2).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:07:55 UTC

LF11 Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
b. Legislative Committee

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:07:55 UTC

Media and Elections

ME01 Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.

Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:20:02 UTC

ME02 Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
a. Publicly owned

Source: http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/specialreport.html http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/bulgaria.html Law on Radio and Tv. Art 7, 8
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME03 Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
a. Publicly owned

Comments:
Source: http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/specialreport.html http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/bulgaria.html Law on Radio and Tv. Art 7, 8
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME04 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
c. Privately owned

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME05 Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
d. No government newspaper: competition between two or more major private newspapers

Comments: Competition exists between all private newspapers (there are not state owned newspapers any more)
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME06 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
a. Over 60%

Comments: over 80 per cent
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME08 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
a. Over 60%

Comments: Over 80 per cent
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME11 What laws, if any, guarantee freedom of access to public information for representatives of the media?
a. a

Comments: Law on Radio and Television
Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 6; 10
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:37:15 UTC

ME13 What are the laws, if any, which govern the operations of the public broadcaster? Specify the date of the latest version (including latest amendments)

Comments: Law on Radio and Television
Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 3; 4; 6
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:37:53 UTC

ME14 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
a. Over 60%

Comments: Over 95 per cent
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME15 What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
a. Over 60 %

Comments: 100 per cent
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME18 What are the laws, if any, that provide for the safeguards for editorial autonomy in relation to the public broadcaster(s)?

Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:20:02 UTC

ME19 What are the laws, if any, which govern the granting of broadcasting licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
a. T

Source: Telecommunications Law Art 50
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:20:02 UTC

ME20 Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
c. Other (specify)

Comments: STC (State Telecommunications Commission)
Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 105 Telecommunications Law Art 22; 42; 46
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME21 Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
g. Other

Comments: STC through Telecommunications Law
Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 105 Telecommunications Law Art 38; 42; 46
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME22 What are the legal conditions, if any, under which the activities of a media outlet may be suspended?

Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:20:02 UTC

ME23 Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
b. No

Comments: The Bulgarian Penal Code relating to libel and insult was changed in 2000. The amendments restricted the possibilities for criminal prosecution. The Prosecutor's Office no longer has the power to initiate proceedings when insult and libel are directed towards officials in duty, or in connection to their duties. Criminal prosecution is now only possible when the adversely affected party files a complaint. Moreover, the maximum punishment for libel and insult is now a fine of 7, 000 euros, while before it was prison.
Source: http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/specialreport.html http://www.ejc.nl/jr/emland/bulgaria.html
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME25 Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
b. Voluntary regulator (e.g. media council, journalists' ethics committee)
c. Government

Comments: b) National Radio and Television Council
Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 33; 33/3
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME26 What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
c. Placing limits on when the media may report about an election

Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 60
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:43:18 UTC

ME27 Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
a. Yes

Comments: EMB = CEC in Bulgaria (Central Election Commission)
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 8; 23
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:43:38 UTC

ME28 What form does the authority, if any, of the EMB to enforce remedies or sanctions against the media in case of breach of the rules on media coverage of elections take
a. Enforcement of a right of reply, correction or retraction
b. Administrative penalty

Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 18 Law for Election of National Representatives Art 69 Law on Radio and Television Art 126/1
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME29 Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
a. Yes

Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 18 / 1-4
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:44:09 UTC

ME30 What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
b. Administrative sanction

Comments: b) and fines of up to 7 500 Euros
Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 18 Law for Election of National Representatives Art 69 Law on Radio and Television Art 126/1 Law for Election of National Representatives Art 70
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME33 Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
a. EMB

Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 23
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:45:12 UTC

ME34 Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
e. None

Comments: No media provide free broadcast time or printed advertisement space to political parties for national election campaigns
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 71
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:46:11 UTC

ME35 Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
e. None

Comments: No media provide free broadcast time or printed advertisement space to political parties for national election campaigns
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 71
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:46:30 UTC

ME36 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
e. None

Comments: No media provide free broadcast time or printed advertisement space to political parties for national election campaigns
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 71
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:46:47 UTC

ME37 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
h. Not applicable

Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 71
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:47:10 UTC

ME38 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
a. Amount (Euros) 1.000.000 (levs)

Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 72
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:47:57 UTC

ME39 Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
e. None

Comments: No media provide free broadcast time or printed advertisement space for individual candidates during national election campaigns.
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 71
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:48:26 UTC

ME40 Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
e. None

Comments: No media provide free broadcast time or printed advertisement space for individual candidates during national election campaigns.
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 71
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:48:44 UTC

ME41 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspaper provide individual candidates (legislative) with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
e. None

Comments: No media provide free broadcast time or printed advertisement space for individual candidates during national election campaigns.
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 71
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:49:04 UTC

ME42 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
h. Not applicable

Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 71
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:49:24 UTC

ME43 Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned

Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 55; 60/2; 71; Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME44 Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned

Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 55; 60/2; 71; Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME45 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned

Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 55; 60/2; 71; Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME46 What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
g. Not regulated: based only on the amount the candidate wishes to spend

Comments: The amount cannot be more, than 10.000. levs by individual.
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 68; 71/2
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME47 Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned

Comments: The election campaign shall begin and end by an address of the candidates for President and Vice-President on the Bulgarian National Television and on the Bulgarian National Radio. – The addresses of the candidates shall be free of charge. The participation in election disputes of the Bulgarian National Radio and of the Bulgarian National Television shall be paid before the broadcasting according to tariffs determined by the Council of Ministers.
Source: Law for the Presidental Elections Art 11/a; 11/(d)/1,2
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME48 Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned

Comments: The election campaign shall begin and end by an address of the candidates for President and Vice-President on the Bulgarian National Television and on the Bulgarian National Radio. – The addresses of the candidates shall be free of charge. The participation in election disputes of the Bulgarian National Radio and of the Bulgarian National Television shall be paid before the broadcasting according to tariffs determined by the Council of Ministers.
Source: Law for the Presidental Elections Art 11/a; 11/(d)/1,2
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME49 Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned

Comments: The election campaign shall begin and end by an address of the candidates for President and Vice-President on the Bulgarian National Television and on the Bulgarian National Radio. – The addresses of the candidates shall be free of charge. The participation in election disputes of the Bulgarian National Radio and of the Bulgarian National Television shall be paid before the broadcasting according to tariffs determined by the Council of Ministers.
Source: Law for the Presidental Elections Art 11/a; 11/(d)/1,2
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME50 What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
g. Other (specify)

Comments: The addresses are free. No criteria. The participation in election disputes of the Bulgarian National Radio and of the Bulgarian National Television shall be paid before the broadcasting according to tariffs determined by the Council of Ministers.
Source: Law for the Presidental Elections Art 11/(d)
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:54:39 UTC

ME51 Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned

Source: Law for the Presidental Elections Art 11; 11/(a); Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME52 Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned

Source: Law for the Presidental Elections Art 11; 11/(a); Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME53 Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
a. Publicly owned
c. Privately owned

Source: Law for the Presidental Elections Art 11; 11/(a); Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME54 What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
h. Other (specify)

Comments: Based only on the amount the candidate wishes to spend. That cannot be more, than 10.000. levs.
Source: Law for the Presidental Elections Art 11/(d); 12
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:56:28 UTC

ME55 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a presidential candidate is permitted to spend on paid advertising?
a. ... (euros) 10.000 (levs)

Source: Law for the Presidental Elections Art 12/2
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:56:56 UTC

ME56 What are the laws, if any, which govern the disclosure of campaign advertising expenditures by political parties and candidates?

Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:20:02 UTC

ME57 What, if any, is the maximum amount that a media outlet can charge parties/candidates for advertising during the campaign?

Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:20:02 UTC

ME58 How does this maximum amount (identified in question C.15.1) affect the political participation of smaller or newly formed parties?

Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:20:02 UTC

ME59 Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
a. Yes, in presidential elections
b. Yes, in legislative elections

Comments: Also in local elections and elections for members of the European Parliament
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:20:02 UTC

ME60 What legal requirements, if any, regulate the participation of candidates or party representatives in media debates?

Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:20:02 UTC

ME62 What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
a. 1 day

Comments: (1.)Election campaign shall not be permitted from 12 a.m. before the election day to 8 p.m. on the election day. (2.) Results from polling the public opinion related to the elections cannot be made public within the period under para 1.
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 59/1,2
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

ME65 When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
b. After all polls close, before official results are available

Source: Law for the Presidental Elections Art 15
Last updated: 2005-11-15 20:58:42 UTC

ME66 Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
a. Yes

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Last updated: 2007-01-31 08:31:29 UTC

Parties and Candidates

PC01 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Signature requirement (specify requirement)
b. Deposit requirement (specify amount)

Comments: Legally registered parties can run candidates after collecting a number of signatures and paying a deposit. A political party shall be established at a constituent assembly by the agreement of at least 500 citizens with voting rights. The constituent assembly shall adopt a Statute and shall elect the party leadership bodies.
Source: Political Parties Act, article 7.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:43:57 UTC

PC02 What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
g. Not applicable

Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 16:31:53 UTC

PC03 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
a. Age
b. Citizenship

Comments: a) 21 years old. b) EU-citizenship
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 3 (paragraph 2).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:43:57 UTC

PC04 What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
k. Not applicable

Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 16:32:19 UTC

PC05 What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Age
b. Citizenship
c. Country of birth
d. Residence
j. Other

Comments: Eligible for President shall be any natural-born Bulgarian citizen over 40 years of age and qualified to be elected to the National Assembly, who has resided in the country for the five years preceding the election.
Source: Constitution, article 93.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:20:31 GMT

PC06 What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
l. Multiple Citizenship
m. Citizenship of parents

Comments: m) Except european citizenships.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 3 (paragraph 2).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:43:57 UTC

PC07 What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
a. Current criminal incarceration
d. Naturalization
l. Multiple Citizenship
m. Citizenship of parents

Source: Presidential Elections Act, articles 3 (paragraph 2) and 4. Constitution, article 93 and 95. Political Parties Act. Election of Members of Parliament Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:43:57 UTC

PC08 Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
b. In presidential elections
c. In legislative elections (Chamber 1)

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 6 paragraph (1). Presidential Elections Act, article 11(a) paragraph (8).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:43:57 UTC

PC09 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
b. Deposit requirement (specify)

Comments: a.) 1100-2000, depending on the size of the district
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 46 (paragraph 1).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:43:57 UTC

PC10 If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
e. Not applicable

Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 16:34:17 UTC

PC11 If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
a. Signature requirement (specify)
b. Deposit requirement (specify)

Comments: a) 15.000 signatures b) 5,000 leva (approximately 2,500 euro).
Source: Presidential Elections Act, articles 6 (paragraph 1) and 6.a (paragraph 1).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:43:57 UTC

PC12 Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
b. Direct

Source: International IDEA (2003) "Funding of Political Parties and Election Campaigns"(paragraph 2) and articles 64-66.
Last updated: 2006-11-20 13:47:11 UTC

PC13 If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
c. As related to the election period and between elections

Source: Political Parties Act, article 18.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:30:12 GMT

PC14 If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
a. Free media access

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 60 (paragraph 2) and articles 64-66.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:30:48 GMT

PC15 What is the basis of the public funding?
b. Based on result of previous election

Source: Political Parties Act, article 18.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:31:07 GMT

PC16 If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
b. Election campaign activities
c. Unspecified

Source: Political Parties Act, article 18.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:31:30 GMT

PC17 Are political parties entitled to private funding?
a. Yes

Comments: There are some restrictions however.
Source: Political Parties Act, article 17.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:43:57 UTC

PC18 If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
c. As related to the election period and between elections

Source: Political Parties Act, article 17.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 16:35:05 UTC

PC19 Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
a. Public disclosure of party contributions received
b. Public disclosure of party expenditure
c. Prohibition on party funding from foreign sources
d. Ceilings on how much money a party can raise
e. Ceilings on party election expenses
h. Publication or public access to contribution and / or expenditure reports
i. Other

Comments: Raising money from anonymous sources is prohibited.
Source: Political Parties Act, article 17.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:32:31 GMT

PC20 Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
a. Public disclosure of candidate contributions received
b. Public disclosure of candidate expenditure
c. Prohibition on candidate funding from foreign sources
d. Ceilings on how much money a candidate can raise
e. Ceilings on candidate election expenses

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament, article 17-21 and 71-73. Lena Djelepova, Chair of the Central Election Commission, tel. + 359 297 11 002/350
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:43:57 UTC

PC21 Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
d. Other

Comments: National Audit Office appointed by the Parliament for five years.
Source: Political Parties Act, article 21. Elections of Members of Parliament, article 72. Lena Djelepova, Chair of the Central Election Commission, tel. + 359 297 11 002/350
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:43:57 UTC

Vote Counting

VC01 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 87 (paragraph 2 and subparagraph 1).
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:36:22 GMT

VC02 What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
s. Not applicable

Source: Election Laws. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC03 What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
b. Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)

Source: Presidential Elections Act. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC04 Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
a. At the polling stations

Source: Election Laws. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC05 What procedures are used in the initial count?
b. Preliminary count of all ballots in ballot box
c. Tally of voters who voted
d. Number of ballots in box reconciled against number of voters
j. Sorted into piles according to individual party/candidate
l. Counted by hand
p. Copies of results of the count are publicly posted at the counting site immediately on the completion of the count
q. Copies of results are provided to observers
s. Copies of results are provided to party agents

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles 92 to 101.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:39:19 GMT

VC06 Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
d. Regional level (specify whether it is constituency/ province/ state/ department/other)

Comments: Regional of Municipality Election Commissions
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 101. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC07 At what levels are seats allocated?
d. National level

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 106.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:40:16 GMT

VC08 How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
a. Physically transported

Comments: Electronic communication is also used for control purposes.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles: 101, 102 and 106. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC09 If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
f. Certificate of result

Comments: Counterparts of the records.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 101.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 16:37:01 UTC

VC10 If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
b. Tamper proof bags
c. Signatures on sealed envelopes
e. Accompanied by election officials
f. Accompanied by party representatives
h. Accompanied by police or other security personnel

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles 101 and 106.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:42:09 GMT

VC11 Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
e. Court order

Source: Election Laws. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC12 If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
e. Not applicable

Comments: Results are not automatically recounted.
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC13 If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
a. Political parties
b. An individual candidate

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC14 If recounted, who conducts the recount?
h. Courts

Comments: Experts appointed by the courts
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC15 Are preliminary results announced?
a. Yes

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC16 If preliminary results are announced, how long after the close of polls is this done?
a. hours: 8

Comments: Results from exit-polls are reported immediately after the close of the polls. Current and preliminary results are announced by the Central Election Commission immediately after they reach the Commission at the website of the CEC. Final results are reported by the CEC not longer than three days after the elections.
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC17 Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
a. Yes

Source: Election Laws. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:54:11 UTC

VC18 How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
b. days:

Comments: 4 days
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 111.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:44:27 GMT

Voter Education

VE01 Who conducts voter education and information campaigns at the national elections (informing where, when and how to register and vote)?
a. National Electoral Management Body
d. National Government
g. NGOs/ Civic Organizations
h. Political parties/ candidates
i. Media

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:38:43 UTC

VE02 At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
b. Election time only

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:38:43 UTC

VE03 Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
l. Other

Comments: It is part of the school program.
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:38:43 UTC

VE04 What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
e. Public meetings
f. Mail-outs
g. Internet

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:38:43 UTC

VE05 What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
a. Poster/ Billboard campaigns
b. Media advertisement
e. Public meetings
g. Internet
h. Handouts (printed material)

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:38:43 UTC

VE06 Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
b. Young people/ first time voters

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:38:43 UTC

Voting Operations

VO01 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
a. 91-100%

Comments: 100 per cent
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:47:39 UTC

VO02 Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
b. No

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:47:39 UTC

VO03 Where can electors vote?
a. At a specified polling station in the locality where they are registered at national elections

Comments: Certificates shall be issued for voting elsewhere to voters who have stated in advance that they will not vote in the district of their permanent address. These voters can vote elsewhere than at the specified polling station in the locality where they are registered for national elections.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 36 (paragraph 1).
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:09:42 GMT

VO04 Who can vote from outside the country?
b. Citizens residing outside the country

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 37.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:10:54 GMT

VO05 If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
a. Embassies
b. Consulates

Comments: Diplomatic missions and some other places.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 41 (paragraph 8). Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:47:39 UTC

VO06 Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
a. No

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 16:29:14 UTC

VO07 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
f. Not applicable

Comments: Electors cannot vote in advance of the designated national election day.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act.
Last updated: 2004-11-02 16:29:28 UTC

VO08 If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
g. Not applicable

Comments: Electors cannot vote in advance of the designated national election day.
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:47:39 UTC

VO09 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes

Comments: 1000 voters
Source: Election Laws
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:47:39 UTC

VO10 Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
a. Yes, the maximum capacity is: 1.000

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 41 (paragraphs 1 and 2) and other election laws.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:47:39 UTC

VO11 How do electors cast their votes?
g. Other

Comments: The voting is either by integral ballots (with the names of parties and/or candidates on one ballot) or by separate ballots for different parties and/or candidates
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 87 (paragraph 2 and subparagraph 1).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:47:39 UTC

VO12 How many staff are assigned to each polling station?
a. The smallest polling station: 7
b. The largest polling station: 9

Source: Election laws
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:47:39 UTC

VO13 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the presiding polling officer for the most recent national elections?
a. hours: 2

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:47:39 UTC

VO14 Approximately how many hours of training were provided to the other polling officials for the most recent national elections?
a. hours: 2

Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:47:39 UTC

Voter Registration

VR01 What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
c. 18

Comments: 18 years
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 3 (paragraph 1).
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:37:38 UTC

VR02 Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
a. Citizenship

Comments: Electors must be citizens of EU-countries
Source: Election Laws and Constitution. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:37:20 UTC

VR03 What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
a. Criminal Incarceration
d. Mental disability

Source: Constitution and other Electoral Laws
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:37:20 UTC

VR04 Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
a. Central Government Department (specify)

Comments: Election rolls shall be printed on the basis of the National Population registrar by the Civil Registration and Administrative Services Department at the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 27 (paragraph 1) and other election laws.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:37:20 UTC

VR05 What is the registration method for national elections?
a. National citizens register

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 27 (paragraph 1) and other election laws.
Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:37:20 UTC

VR06 How frequently is the voters register updated?
a. Continuously

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 27 (paragraph 1).
Last updated: 2004-11-02 16:25:55 UTC

VR07 What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
a. Links to national population records

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 27 (paragraph 1).
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:07:36 GMT

VR08 Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
a. Yes

Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 26.
Last updated: Thu, 22 Aug 2002 20:07:57 GMT

VR09 Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of registration supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?

Last updated: 2007-01-31 09:37:20 UTC

May 20, 2008 07:18 AM