Info
Boundary Delimitation
BD001
Delimitation of constituencies
Question: Are constituencies delimited for election purposes?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: For holding elections, the country is divided into electoral districts.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, art. 7:1.
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
BD003
Criteria for drawing boundaries
Question: On what criteria are the boundaries drawn?
Answer(s):
a . "Equality" of population d . Conformity with local jurisdiction boundaries
Comments: For holding elections within the country is divided into 31 multi electoral region, including three in Sofia-city and two in Plovdiv District. Other electoral districts coincide with the boundaries of the districts.
Source: Art. 247(1),249(1).
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965
(2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
BD005
Body responsible for drawing boundaries
Question: The body responsible for drawing the boundaries is:
Answer(s):
c . Executive
Comments: The names, numbers and boundaries of electoral districts shall be determined by the President not later than 56 days before election day.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 249 (2)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965
(2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
Electoral Systems
ES001
Head of State
Question: How is the Head of State selected?
Answer(s):
c . Directly elected in general elections (absolute majority with 2nd round if necessary)
Comments: The President is the head of state. S/he is directly elected for a five year term by absolute majority of valid votes.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, art. 92-93
http://www.parliament.bg/en/const (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/01
ES002
Head of Government
Question: How is the Head of Government selected?
Answer:
c . Indirectly elected by legislature/chosen by parliament
Comments: Following consultations with the parliamentary groups, the President shall appoint the Prime Minister-designate nominated by the party holding the highest number of seats in the National Assembly to form a government.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, art. 99 & 108
http://www.parliament.bg/en/const (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/01
ES003
President
Question: Does the country have a president?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, art. 92-104
http://www.parliament.bg/en/const (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/01
ES004
Number of Chambers
Question: The national legislature consists of (one/two chambers):
Answer:
a . One chamber
Comments: The National Assembly consists of 240 members.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, art. 62-64
http://www.parliament.bg/en/const (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/01
ES005
Electoral System (Chamber 1)
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 1 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
g . List Proportional Representation
Comments: The elections for deputies to produce a proportional electoral system with multi registered in electoral districts lists of candidates:
1. parties and coalitions;
2. nomination committees.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, art. 246
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965
Verified: 2014/10/01
Legislative Framework
LF001
Status of Electoral Law
Question: What is the status of the electoral law governing national elections?
Answer(s):
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 is Election Code and also Direct Citizen Participation in Government Act.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria
http://www.parliament.bg/en/const
Electoral Law: Election Code; Direct Citizen Participation in Government Act
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965
Verified: 2014/10/02
LF003
Electoral Law covers
Question: The national electoral law covers:
Answer(s):
a . National elections c . Local elections d . Referendums e . Other
Comments: Elections for the National Assembly, Grand National Assembly, President and Vice President of the Republic ,Members of the European Parliament of the Republic of Bulgaria, councilors, mayors and mayors of districts.
Also sets conditions, organization and procedure for holding elections in the Republic of Bulgaria,contestation of election results,terms and conditions for completing the mandates.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code: Art (1), Art (2) http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
LF004
Compulsory/voluntary voting
Question: Is voting on the national level voluntary or compulsory?
Answer(s):
a . Voting is voluntary
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, art. 3. (1)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965
(2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
LF007
Electoral Disputes Agency(ies)
Question: What are the agency(ies) responsible for the first level of formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Judiciary
Comments: Challenge to the legality of the elections for parliament and the election of a Member of Parliament shall be decided by the Constitutional Court.Challenge to the legality of the election of President and Vice President of the Republic shall be decided by the Constitutional Court.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, aArt. 304, Art. 347
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965
(2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
Electoral Management
EM002
Responsibility of national EMB
Question: Does the national electoral body have the responsibility for elections at:
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 57
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965
Verified: 2014/10/03
EM004
EMB budget determined by
Question: The budget of the national electoral management body is determined by:
Answer(s):
c . The legislature d . A national government department
Comments: The costs of preparation and holding of elections, including voting machine and media broadcasts are at the expense of the state budget adopted by the Council of Ministers plan account consistent with the Central Election Commission. Plan-account election is taken not later than 55 days before election day.
The National Assembly shall pass the state budget bill and the budget report.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, art. 18(2)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965
Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, art. 84.http://www.parliament.bg/en/const
Verified: 2014/10/02
EM005
EMB expenditures controlled by
Question: The expenditures of the national electoral management body are controlled by:
Answer(s):
d . A national government department
Comments: The expenditures on the preparation and conduct of the elections shall be for the account of the State budget according to an estimate adopted by the Council of Ministers in consultation with the Central Election Commission.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 18(2).
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
EM006
Term of EMB members
Question: The term of the members of the national electoral management body is:
Answer:
b . For a specified number of years
Comments: The mandate of the committee members is five years.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 51 (1)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
EM012
Electoral Management model
Question: What is the Electoral Management model?
Answer:
b . Independent
Comments:
Source: Electoral Management Design: The International IDEA Handbook (http://www.idea.int/publications/emd/upload/EMD_Annex_A.pdf)
Electoral code: Art. 46(1) http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
EM013
Number of EMB members
Question: The EMB is composed of:
Answer:
b . 11 - 20 members (specify)
Comments: The Commission consists of 19 members, including a President, two Vice-Presidents and Secretary.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 46 (3)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
EM014
Membership based on
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected on the basis of their:
Answer:
a . Partisanship
Comments: In appointing the members of the Central Election Commission, other than (President, Vice-Presidents and Secretary) , the ratio remains among parliamentary parties and coalitions, as parties and coalitions that have selected their candidate lists MEPs but are not represented in Parliament are entitled to one of its members to the Central Election Commission. Representatives of one party or coalition can not have a majority on the committee.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, art. 46:7, 46:8
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
EM015
Question: The EMB members/commissioners are selected by:
Answer(s):
a . Head of State e . Legislature g . Political parties
Comments: The President, Vice-Presidents and Secretary of the Central Election Commission is elected by the National Assembly on a proposal under Art. 47, para. 2, item 1. Remaining members of the Commission shall be appointed by the President on a proposal under Art. 47, para. 2 pt. 2.
parliamentary parties and coalitions that have selected their candidate lists MEPs but are not represented in parliament, can make a proposal to the President of the Republic the appointment of other members of the committee in accordance with the requirement of Article . 46, para. 8.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, art. Art. 47(2.2)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/03
Voter Education
VE001
Information campaigns performed by
Question: Who conducts information campaigns for national elections (informing where, when and how to register and/or vote)?
Answer(s):
a . National Electoral Management Body i . Media
Comments: CEC shall provide information organized and conducted by the media awareness campaign on the rights and obligations of citizens in the preparation and holding of elections, including the voting machine; awareness campaign begins no later than 15 days before the expiry of the period from which the rights and obligations of citizens in relation to the election;
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 57(32)
Verified: 2014/10/03
VE002
Frequency of voter education programs
Question: At the national level, how often are voter education programs conducted?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2014/10/03
VE003
National civic education
Question: Is there a national civic education campaign (rights and responsibilities of citizens)?
Answer(s):
m . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2014/10/03
Voter Registration
VR001
Voting age
Question: What is the legal voting age in the national elections?
Answer:
c . 18
Comments: Every citizen above the age of 18, with the exception of those placed under judicial interdiction or serving a prison sentence, shall be free to elect state and local authorities and vote in referendums.
Source: Constitution. Art. 42(1)
http://www.parliament.bg/en/const
Verified: 2014/10/02
VR002
Other voting requirements
Question: Beyond age, what other qualifications exist for registering to vote and voting in the national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Citizenship b . Period of Residence e . Other
Comments: for president and vice president elections,elections members of National Assembly and Grand National Assembly: Every citizen above the age of 18, with the exception of those placed under judicial interdiction or serving a prison sentence, shall be free to elect state and local authorities and vote in referendums.
Elections for municipal councilors and mayors: Must be Bulgarian citizens who are 18 years of age on election day, including, not under guardianship, not serving a custodial sentence and lived for at least the last six months in the relevant village.
(2) Every citizen of the country - State of the European Union, which is not a Bulgarian citizen has the right to elect municipal councilors and mayors, if aged 18 or over including election day, is not under guardianship is not serving a sentence of imprisonment a status of long-term or permanent residence in the Republic of Bulgaria, lived for at least the last six months in the local community and is not deprived of the right to vote in the Member State of nationality.
Source: Constitution: Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria, art. 42 (1)
Electoral Law: Election Code, art. 396, art. 243, art. 307
Verified: 2014/10/03
VR004
Authority responsible for voter registration
Question: Which is the authority responsible for the registration of voters for national elections?
Answer:
a . Central Government Department (specify)
Comments: The electoral lists, including Part I of voter lists are printed based on the National Population Register of the Directorate General "Civil Registration and Administrative Services" in the Ministry of Regional Development.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 26 (1), 26 (2)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
VR008
Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Question: Is it compulsory to be on the voters register?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A voter whose permanent and current address are in different locations, may apply to be registered in the electoral roll at current address not later than 14 days before election day. The request shall be made in writing to the mayor, district, city hall or deputy mayor and includes the personal identification number of the voter, the type and number of identity document and his signature or by electronic application through the website of the municipality at the current address of the person.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 36
OSCE/ODIHR NEEDS ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT (part D)
http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/122987?download=true
Verified: 2014/10/03
Parties and Candidates
PC001
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Signature requirement (specify requirement) f . Other
Comments: The parties submit application to the Central Election Commission for registration not later than 45 days before election day. The application shall be signed by the person representing the party according to the current court registration ;provide a list containing the names, personal identification number and the handwritten signature of not less than 2,500 voters supporting the registration; certificate of current bank account which will be serviced campaign;
Source: Electoral Law: Political Parties Act, article 133(1-4):
http://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/15811 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
PC003
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 1)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
a . Age b . Citizenship j . Other
Comments: The right to be elected National Representative shall vest in any Bulgarian
citizens who have attained the age of 21 years by polling day, do not hold another citizenship, are not interdicted and do not serve a custodial sentence.
Source: Constitution Art. 65 (1)
http://www.parliament.bg/en/const
Verified: 2014/10/02
PC008
Independent candidates
Question: Can independent candidates compete in presidential or legislative elections?
Answer(s):
e . In both presidential and legislative elections
Comments: nomination committees can nominate an independent candidate
Source: Electoral Law: Election code, Art. 310, Art.246
Verified: 2014/10/03
PC012
Public funding of parties
Question: Do political parties receive direct/indirect public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Direct
Comments: The activity of political parties shall be financed from
1 party funds
2 candidates;
3 donations from individuals
Source: Electoral Law: Political Parties Act, Art. 162:
http://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/15811 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
PC015
Question: What is the basis of the public funding?
Answer(s):
b . Based on result of previous election
Comments: Art 27.
(1) (Changes – State Gazette No73 2006) The total sum provided for as subsidies for political parties and coalitions shall be determined on an annual basis in the State Budget Act of the Republic of Bulgaria depending on the number of valid votes received in the last parliamentary elections, with a subsidy being envisaged for one received vote in the amount of 5 per cent of the minimum work wage for the country for the current calendar year.
(2) The mode of granting funds to subsidize parties and coalitions shall be determined by the Minister of Finance.
Source: Electoral Law: Political Parties Act, art. 27, 178: http://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/15811 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
PC017
Question: Are political parties entitled to private funding?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 1) The party registered candidates can finance his campaign by:
1 own funds of the party;
2 means the candidates;
3 donations from individuals.
Source: Electoral Law: Political Parties Act, art. 162: http://www.legislationline.org/documents/action/popup/id/15811 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
Vote Counting
VC004
Votes are sorted/counted at
Question: Following the close of the voting, where are the votes first sorted and counted?
Answer:
a . The polling stations
Comments: The voting and counting of votes shall be carried out in polling stations.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, art. 8:1: http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/09
VC011
When are ballots recounted?
Question: Under what conditions are ballots recounted?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission Report on the
No reference to recounting in electoral code (2014)
2009 parliamentary elections recommended that the legislation should be amended to foresee recounting of votes. The same concern was raised by the PACE Ad Hoc Committee, in particular with the introduction of a majoritarian component shortly before the 2009 parliamentary elections. This recommendation was not addressed.
Source: OSCE Joint Opinion on the Election Code of Bulgaria (2011), Para. 53
http://www.osce.org/odihr/80841
Verified: 2014/10/02
Media and Elections
ME037
Criteria for allocating free broadcast time
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to political parties?
Answer(s):
a . Equal regardless of size of party and previous performance
Comments: The amended Electoral Code provides for electoral contestants to be
allocated free airtime equally on public television and radio. Contestants will be entitled to air initial
and closing campaign spots and to participate in debates.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 178,193,189
OSCE/ODIHR NEEDS ASSESSMENT MISSION REPORT
page 7
http://www.osce.org/odihr/elections/122987?download=true
Verified: 2014/10/03
ME059
Television debates
Question: Are televised debates between candidates or party representatives normally conducted?
Answer(s):
a . Yes, in presidential elections b . Yes, in legislative elections
Comments: The Bulgarian National Television and the Bulgarian National Radio provide the parties, coalitions and initiative committees, registered candidates, television and radio debates free to agreed topics with a total duration not less than 240 minutes. It also provides a total of at least 60 minutes during radio and television programs, respectively in regional broadcasts of radio and television centers, free debates between representatives of parties, coalitions and initiative committees , registered candidates.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 189, 195, 196:1
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965
Verified: 2014/10/01
ME062
Blackout period for release of opinion poll results.
Question: What is the blackout period, if any, during which results of pre-election opinion polls may not be released to the public?
Answer:
a . 1 day
Comments: Results of public opinion polls in connection with the elections may not be
made public in any form whatsoever during a period commencing 24 hours in advance of polling day and ending upon the declaration of the closing of the polls within the territory of Bulgaria.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 205 (5)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
ME080
Question: Is there a maximum amount that a political party is permitted to spend on paid advertising during a campaign period?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments: restriction on the total amount of funding for campaign of parties, coalitions and initiative committees
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, art. 165
Verified: 2014/10/03
Direct Democracy
DD002
Direct Democracy Provisions (National Level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy Procedures at the national level?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Constitution of the Republic of Bulgaria (adopted July, 1991): Articles 10; 42; 84:5; 98:1; 102:6
http://www.parliament.bg/en/const
Verified: 2014/10/01
DD003
Mandatory referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Mandatory Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: http://www.parliament.bg/en/const
Verified: 2014/10/01
DD004
Optional referendums (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Optional Referendums at the national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source: http://www.parliament.bg/en/const
Verified: 2014/10/03
DD005
Citizens' Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Citizen’s Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2014/10/03
DD006
Agenda Initiatives (national level)
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Agenda Initiatives at national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2014/10/03
DD007
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Recalls at national level?
Answer:
c . No information available
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2014/10/03
DD129
Question: Are the results of referenda always binding, never binding or sometimes binding?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: http://www.parliament.bg/en/const
Verified: 2014/10/01
DD130
Question: Are the types of issues to vote upon in a referendum constitutional changes only, other issues only or both constitutional and other issues?
Answer:
d . No information available
Comments:
Source: http://www.parliament.bg/en/const
Verified: 2014/10/01
DD131
Question: Are there any Legal Provisions for Direct Democracy at sub-national levels (regional or local)?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: A municipality is the basic administratively-territorial unit in which self-administration is carried out. Citizens participate in the government of the municipality both through their elected organs of local self-administration and also directly through a referendum or a general meeting of the population.
Source: Constitution, article 136.
http://www.parliament.bg/en/const (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
Voting Operations
VO003
Electors vote at
Question: Where can electors vote?
Answer(s):
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: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 8 (1)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
VO004
Voting outside the country is permitted for
Question: Who can vote from outside the country?
Answer(s):
b . Citizens residing outside the country
Comments:
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 11 (1)
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
VO005
Locations for voting outside of the country
Question: If voting outside the country is permitted, at what places?
Answer(s):
a . Embassies b . Consulates f . Other
Comments: Diplomatic missions and some other places.
Source: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 12, 13
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
VO011
Voting method
Question: How do electors cast their votes?
Answer(s):
a . Manually marking of ballots b . Mechanical voting machine
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: Electoral Law: Election Code, Art. 265,268
http://dv.parliament.bg/DVWeb/showMaterialDV.jsp?idMat=82965 (2014)
Verified: 2014/10/02
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