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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
BD002
Question: The authority responsible for final approval of the constituency boundaries is:
Answer(s):
f . Other
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.
Verified: 2012/06/06
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
BD004
Question: If population is a criterion, which population figure is used?
Answer:
a . Total population
Comments: The Central Election Committee shall determine the number of seats for each constituency on the basis of a uniform representation rate for the country depending on the number of the population not later than 50 days prior to the election day, while applying the largest residual method.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament, article 39 paragraph (3).
Verified: 2004/11/19
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
BD006
Question: What statistical or other reasons trigger the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2007/01/31
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
ES006
Question: What is the electoral system for Chamber 2 of the national legislature?
Answer(s):
k . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Constitution, article 62-64.
Verified: 2004/11/02
ES007
Question: If List PR is used, is a highest average formula used?
Answer:
a . d'Hondt Formula
Comments:
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles 6 (paragraph 2) and 107.
Verified: 2002/08/22
ES008
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 1?
Answer(s):
a . National level
Comments:
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles 99-101 and 106-107.
Verified: 2002/08/22
ES009
Question: What is the level at which seats are distributed in Chamber 2?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Verified: 2004/11/02
ES010
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 1 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Constitution.
Elections of Members of Parliament Act.
Verified: 2004/11/02
ES012
Question: Are special constituencies or seats reserved in Chamber 2 for specific groups, such as minorities, specific nationality or other groups?
Answer:
c . The national legislature consists of one chamber only
Comments:
Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Verified: 2004/11/02
ES014
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 1?
Answer:
b . Specify the percentage:
Comments: 4%
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles 6 (paragraph 3) and 108 (paragraph 1).
Verified: 2002/08/22
ES015
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a party to win seats in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Verified: 2004/11/02
ES016
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 1?
Answer:
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).
Verified: 2002/08/22
ES017
Question: What is the legally imposed minimum threshold of votes required by a candidate (independent/party) to win a seat in Chamber 2?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Verified: 2004/11/02
ES018
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 1, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
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).
Verified: 2004/11/02
ES019
Question: Regarding the timing of the elections for Chamber 2, which of the following is true? Elections take place:
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source: Constitution, articles 62-64.
Verified: 2004/11/02
ES020
Question: Regarding Chamber 1 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
a . Voting takes place on one day
Comments:
Source: Election of Members of Parliament Act, article 5 (paragraph 1).
Verified: 2002/08/22
ES021
Question: Regarding Chamber 2 elections (excluding advance voting, postal voting, etc):
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source:
Verified: 2004/11/02
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
LF002
Question: What is the date of the latest version of the national electoral law (including latest amendments)?
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2007/01/31
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
LF005
Question: 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?
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2007/01/31
LF006
Question: Are there provisions in the law which permit or require presidential election (s) to be held on the same day as national legislative elections?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2007/01/31
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
LF008
Question: If the agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are specially appointed/elected; by whom?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments: The agency(ies) which settles formal disputes is/are not specially appointed/elected.
Source:
Verified: 2002/08/22
LF009
Question: Who has the right to submit cases to the person or agency(ies)which settles formal disputes?
Answer(s):
a . Candidates b . Parties c . Voters
Comments:
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).
Verified: 2007/01/31
LF010
Question: What body(ies) is the final appellate authority for formal electoral disputes?
Answer(s):
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).
Verified: 2007/01/31
LF011
Question: Which body(ies) proposes electoral reforms?
Answer(s):
b . Legislative Committee
Comments:
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Verified: 2007/01/31
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
EM003
Question: The national electoral management body reports to:
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2008/01/21
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
EM007
Question: The national electoral management body chairperson, or equivalent, is chosen in the following way:
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2008/01/21
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
VE004
Question: What types of voter education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement e . Public meetings f . Mail-outs g . Internet
Comments:
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Verified: 2007/01/31
VE005
Question: What types of civic education activities were carried out at the most recent national elections?
Answer(s):
a . Poster/ Billboard campaigns b . Media advertisement e . Public meetings g . Internet h . Handouts (printed material)
Comments:
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Verified: 2007/01/31
VE006
Question: Special voter education programs were developed at the most recent national elections for:
Answer(s):
b . Young people/ first time voters
Comments:
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Verified: 2007/01/31
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
VR003
Question: What restrictions on registering to vote and voting exist in the country?
Answer(s):
a . Criminal Incarceration d . Mental disability
Comments:
Source: Constitution and other Electoral Laws
Verified: 2007/01/31
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
VR005
Question: What is the registration method for national elections?
Answer:
a . National citizens register
Comments:
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 27 (paragraph 1) and other election laws.
Verified: 2007/01/31
VR006
Question: How frequently is the voters register updated?
Answer:
a . Continuously
Comments:
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 27 (paragraph 1).
Verified: 2004/11/02
VR007
Question: What methods are used to compile and update the voters register?
Answer(s):
a . Links to national population records
Comments:
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 27 (paragraph 1).
Verified: 2002/08/22
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
PC002
Registration requirements for parties (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the registration requirements for political parties running for national elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
g . No information available
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source:
Verified: 2004/11/02
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
PC004
Registration requirements for candidates (Chamber 2)
Question: What are the legal qualifications to become a candidate at legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
k . No information available
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source:
Verified: 2004/11/02
PC005
Question: What are the legal qualifications for becoming a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2002/08/22
PC006
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at legislative elections?
Answer(s):
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).
Verified: 2007/01/31
PC007
Question: What can disqualify a candidate at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
a . Current criminal incarceration d . Naturalization l . Multiple Citizenship m . Citizenship of parents
Comments:
Source: Presidential Elections Act, articles 3 (paragraph 2) and 4.
Constitution, article 93 and 95.
Political Parties Act.
Election of Members of Parliament Act.
Verified: 2007/01/31
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
PC009
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 1), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
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).
Verified: 2007/01/31
PC010
Question: If independent candidates can compete in legislative elections (Chamber 2), what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments: The national legislature consists of one chamber only.
Source:
Verified: 2004/11/02
PC011
Question: If independent candidates can compete in presidential elections, what are the registration requirements?
Answer(s):
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).
Verified: 2007/01/31
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
PC013
Question: If political parties receive direct/indirect public funding, when do they receive this?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Political Parties Act, article 18.
Verified: 2002/08/22
PC014
Question: If political parties receive indirect public funding, identify the type of funding:
Answer(s):
a . Free media access
Comments:
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 60 (paragraph 2) and articles 64-66.
Verified: 2002/08/22
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
PC016
Question: If political parties receive public funding, what is the specified purpose?
Answer(s):
b . Election campaign activities c . Unspecified
Comments:
Source: Political Parties Act, article 18.
Verified: 2002/08/22
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
PC018
Question: If political parties are entitled to private funding, for what period?
Answer(s):
c . As related to the election period and between elections
Comments:
Source: Political Parties Act, article 17.
Verified: 2004/11/02
PC019
Question: Which of the following party financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2002/08/22
PC020
Question: Which of the following candidate financing provisions are applicable?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
PC021
Question: Who is responsible for administering and enforcing party income/funding regulations at national level?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
Vote Counting
VC001
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 1)?
Answer(s):
b . Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
Comments:
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 87 (paragraph 2 and subparagraph 1).
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC002
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at national legislative elections (Chamber 2)?
Answer(s):
s . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Election Laws. Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC003
Question: What are the characteristics of ballots used at presidential elections?
Answer(s):
b . Multi-ballot (each party has own ballot, voter picks one ballot and places in envelope)
Comments:
Source: Presidential Elections Act.
Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Verified: 2009/11/04
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
VC005
Question: What procedures are used in the initial count?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles 92 to 101.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC006
Question: Following the sorting and counting, to where are the results first transmitted for consolidation?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC007
Question: At what levels are seats allocated?
Answer(s):
d . National level
Comments:
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 106.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC008
Question: How are the initial/preliminary polling results transmitted and communicated to the different levels?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC009
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what is transported?
Answer(s):
f . Certificate of result
Comments: Counterparts of the records.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 101.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC010
Question: If the polling results are physically transported, what security measures are used?
Answer(s):
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
Comments:
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, articles 101 and 106.
Verified: 2009/11/04
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
VC012
Question: If automatically recounted, what is the trigger?
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC013
Question: If ballots are recounted by request, who can make the request?
Answer(s):
a . Political parties b . An individual candidate
Comments:
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC014
Question: If recounted, who conducts the recount?
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC015
Question: Are preliminary results announced?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC017
Question: Is there a legal requirement for the declaration of the officially certified results?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Election Laws.
Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Verified: 2009/11/04
VC018
Question: How long after the close of polls is the certified results publicly announced? (if there is no legal requirement enter the average time)
Answer:
b . days:
Comments: 4 days
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act, article 111.
Verified: 2009/11/04
Media and Elections
ME002
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME003
Question: Which of the following types of television stations are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME004
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers are present at a national level in your country?
Answer(s):
c . Privately owned
Comments:
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME005
Question: Which of the following do you believe best describes the print media situation at the national level in your country?
Answer:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME006
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private radio stations?
Answer:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME008
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of private television stations?
Answer:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME014
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the public television stations?
Answer:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME015
Question: What proportion of the population can receive transmissions of the national level programming of the national level programming of the public radio stations?
Answer:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME020
Question: Who grants licenses/frequencies to private broadcasters?
Answer:
c . Other (specify)
Comments: STC (State Telecommunications Commission)
Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 105
Telecommunications Law Art 22; 42; 46
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME021
Question: Who is allowed to hold broadcasting licenses?
Answer(s):
g . Other
Comments: STC through Telecommunications Law
Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 105
Telecommunications Law Art 38; 42; 46
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME023
Question: Are any journalists currently imprisoned or facing criminal charges for exercising their profession?
Answer:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME025
Question: Which of the following bodies or agencies has a responsibility in the regulation of media coverage of elections?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME026
Question: What form does the responsibility, if any, of the EMB to regulate media coverage of elections take?
Answer(s):
c . Placing limits on when the media may report about an election
Comments:
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 60
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME027
Question: Does the EMB monitor media coverage of elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: EMB = CEC in Bulgaria (Central Election Commission)
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 8; 23
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME028
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
a . Enforcement of a right of reply, correction or retraction b . Administrative penalty
Comments:
Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 18
Law for Election of National Representatives Art 69
Law on Radio and Television Art 126/1
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME029
Question: Do political parties or candidates have a right to have their replies to inaccurate or misleading media coverage published promptly and free of charge?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law on Radio and Television Art 18 / 1-4
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME030
Question: What is the legal liability of the media if they report unlawful statements by candidates during election campaigns (e.g. defamatory or inflammatory speeches)?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME033
Question: Which body, if any, is responsible for regulating free or paid access of political parties or candidates to the media during election campaigns.
Answer:
a . EMB
Comments:
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 23
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME034
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME035
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide political parties with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME036
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide political parties with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2005/11/15
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
ME039
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME040
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME041
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspaper provide individual candidates (legislative) with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME042
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source: Law for Election of National Representatives Art 71
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME043
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide individual candidates (legislative) with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME044
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME045
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide individual candidates (legislative) with printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME046
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to individual candidates (legislative)?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME047
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME048
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with free broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME049
Question: Which of the following daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with free printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME050
Question: What are the criteria for allocating free broadcast time and/or free printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
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)
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME051
Question: Which of the following types of radio stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast time for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME052
Question: Which of the following types of television stations provide presidential candidates with paid broadcast for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME053
Question: Which of the following types of daily and weekly newspapers provide presidential candidates with paid printed advertisement space for national election campaigns?
Answer(s):
a . Publicly owned c . Privately owned
Comments:
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
Verified: 2007/01/31
ME054
Question: What are the criteria for allocating paid broadcast time and/or paid printed advertisement space to presidential candidates?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2005/11/15
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
ME065
Question: When are the media, by law, allowed to report preliminary election results?
Answer:
b . After all polls close, before official results are available
Comments:
Source: Law for the Presidental Elections Art 15
Verified: 2005/11/15
ME066
Question: Are the media allowed to project/predict winners before the final results are available?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections
Verified: 2007/01/31
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
DD001
Please provide information about the person completing the questionnaire.
Name and Title: Mihail Mihaylov Konstantinov
Job Title: Vice-Chair
Organisation: Central Election Commission of Bulgaria
Contact Address. 1169 Sofia, Bulgaria; University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, 1046 Sofia, Bulgaria
Telephone:
Facsimile: +359-2-9403527
Email: [email protected] ; [email protected]
Source
No Source
Verified
2009/08/24
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
DD008
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/02
DD009
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD010
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/02
DD100
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD101
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a recall?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD102
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a referendum?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD103
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD104
Question: What form of checks are undertaken to verify signatures for a recall?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD105
Question: Who is responsible for checking the signatures?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD106
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
a . Agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms
Comments:
Source: Law for referendums, article 11
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD107
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD108
Question: 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?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD109
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a referendum?
Answer(s):
a . Information booklets b . Leaflets and pamphlets c . Radio broadcasts d . TV broadcasts e . Press advertisements f . Website
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD011
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/02
DD110
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for an initiative?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD111
Question: What activities, if any, are undertaken as part of non-partisan information or voter education campaigns for a recall?
Answer(s):
i . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD112
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a referendum?
Answer(s):
g . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD113
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD114
Question: Which of the following controls, if any, apply in relation to campaigning for or against the issue being addressed in a recall?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD115
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a referendum?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD116
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for an initiative?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD117
Question: What is the period during which these controls apply for a recall?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD118
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . No campaign organisations
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD119
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD012
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/02
DD120
Question: Which campaigners, if any, are entitled to some forms of public assistance for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD121
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a referendum? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
f . None
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD122
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for an initiative? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD123
Question: Which forms of public assistance, if any, are provided for a recall? Specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD125
Question: Is the government permitted to campaign either in favour of or against any specific outcome to a referendum, initiatives or recall vote?
Answer(s):
a . Yes
Comments: a) At least this is not forbidden in the Law for referendums.
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD015
Question: Who is responsible for managing the administration of direct democracy mechanisms at the national level?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD016
Question: Does this agency/department also manage the administration of national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments:
Source: Law for referendums, article 10-11
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD017
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD018
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all regions/states/provinces
Comments:
Source: Law for referendums
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD019
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD020
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD021
Question: Are recalls currently possible at first tier (regions/states/provinces, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD022
Question: Are mandatory referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD023
Question: Are optional referendums currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
a . Yes, in all municipalities/districts/communes
Comments:
Source: Law for referendums
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD024
Question: Are citizens' initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD025
Question: Are agenda initiatives currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD026
Question: Are recalls currently possible at local (municipalities/districts/communes, etc) authority level?
Answer:
c . No
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD027
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are mandatory at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD028
Question: What are the issues, if any, in relation to which referendums are optional at the national level?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD029
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of referendums at the national level?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD030
Question: Which issues, if any, maybe the subject of sub-national referendums regulated at the national level?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD031
Question: Who can initiate a referendum at the national level?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD032
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD033
Question: Who is responsible for drafting the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature
Comments: d) The National Assembly determines the referendum question
Source: Law for referendums, article 7
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD034
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the mandatory referendum question?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD035
Question: Which of the following, if any, are required to be included in the optional referendum question?
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD036
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for mandatory referendums?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD037
Question: Which institution(s) decides on the final form of the ballot text for optional referendums?
Answer(s):
d . Legislature
Comments: d) The National Assembly
Source: Law for referendums, article 7
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD040
Question: What are the requirements for mandatory referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD041
Question: What are the requirements for optional referendums to pass?
Answer(s):
a . Simple majority (>50%)
Comments:
Source: Law for referendums, article 17
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD042
Question: 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.
Answer(s):
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
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD043
Question: When is the outcome of a mandatory referendum binding?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD044
Question: When is the outcome of an optional referendum binding?
Answer:
b . Under certain circumstances (specify below)
Comments: b) Unless a special law requires an additional approval.
Source: Law for referendums, article 3
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD045
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the citizens' initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD046
Question: Which types of issues can be proposed by citizens using the agenda initiative process at the national level?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD047
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of a citizens' initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD048
Question: Which issues, if any, are excluded from being the subject of an agenda initiative at the national level?
Answer(s):
l . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD049
Question: Who may propose the registration of a citizens' initiative? Please specify in the "Comments" section below.
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD051
Question: What material is necessary to accompany an application for registration?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD052
Question: Who determines the title of a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD053
Question: Who determines the title of an agenda initiative?
Answer:
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD054
Question: Which, if any, of the following disqualify a proposed title of an initiative?
Answer(s):
h . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD055
Question: Which services are provided by the agency/department responsible for the administration of direct democracy mechanisms before an initiative can be published?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD056
Question: Under what circumstances is an initiative checked for constitutionality or legality?
Answer(s):
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD058
Question: If a check of the constitutionality or legality of an initiative takes place, when does this happen?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD059
Question: Which institutions, if any, are given an opportunity to propose an alternative to proposals contained in a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD060
Question: At which stage in the initiative process, if at all, can alternative proposals be made?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD061
Question: What happens when there is a valid alternative proposal?
Answer:
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD062
Question: When an initiative proposal and an alternative proposal are put to the vote on the same day, what choices does the voter have?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD063
Question: Who decides the final ballot text?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD064
Question: Once an initiative is qualified for the ballot, the vote on it takes place:
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD065
Question: Which of the following individuals/positions may be subject to the recall mechanism?
Answer(s):
k . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD066
Question: What are the grounds upon which a recall may be launched?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD068
Question: If a recall qualifies for the ballot, when is it put to the vote?
Answer:
d . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD069
Question: When does the election to replace an individual who has been recalled take place?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/03
DD071
Question: Can an individual who is the subject of a recall stand on the ballot for his/her own replacement?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD076
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD077
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a rejective referendum (optional) has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD078
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for a citizens' initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD079
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for an agenda initiative has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD080
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD081
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD082
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD083
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD085
Question: What is the deadline, if any, for collecting the required number of signatures after a proposal for recall has been published?
Answer:
c . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD086
Question: What restrictions, if any, apply in relation to the individuals who can sign the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD087
Question: Where can proposals for an abrogative referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD088
Question: Where can proposals for a rejective referendum (optional) be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD089
Question: Where can proposals for a citizens' initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD090
Question: Where can proposals for an agenda initiative be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD091
Question: Where can proposals for a recall be signed?
Answer(s):
g . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD092
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD093
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD094
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD095
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for an agenda initiative?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD096
Question: What information must signatories provide when signing the proposal for a recall?
Answer(s):
e . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD097
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for an abrogative referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD098
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a rejective referendum (optional)?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
DD099
Question: What restrictions, if any, are there in relation to signature collection for a citizens' initiative?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments:
Source:
Verified: 2006/11/30
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
DD132
Year of introducing Direct Democracy
Question: What year were the first Direct Democracy mechanisms introduced to the legal framework?
Answer:
f . 1981-2000
Comments: First introduced in legal framework in 1991. Administrative framework first introduced in 1996.
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/24
DD133
Question: What year was the first referendum/initiative held?
Answer:
c . 1921-1940
Comments: First referendum held in 1922 concerned charges against war criminals. Voting was mandatory. National referendums were theoretically possible before 1989 but only formally.
Source: "Direct Democracy: The International IDEA Handbook", (2008) (http://www.idea.int/publications/direct_democracy/index.cfm)
Verified: 2009/08/24
Voting Operations
VO001
Question: Approximately what percentage (on the basis of cost) of election day supplies and equipment are obtained or produced within the country?
Answer:
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.
Verified: 2007/01/31
VO002
Question: Is there a code of conduct for election officials?
Answer:
b . No
Comments:
Source: Mihail Konstantinov, Vice-chair of the Central Election Commissions of Bulgaria for Parliamentary and for Local Elections Presidential Elections Act.
Verified: 2007/01/31
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
VO006
Question: Can people vote in advance of the designated national election day(s)?
Answer:
a . No
Comments:
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act.
Verified: 2009/08/24
VO007
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), how may they do so?
Answer(s):
f . Not applicable
Comments: Electors cannot vote in advance of the designated national election day.
Source: Elections of Members of Parliament Act.
Verified: 2004/11/02
VO008
Question: If electors can vote in advance of the designated national election day(s), specify who:
Answer(s):
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.
Verified: 2007/01/31
VO009
Question: Is there a maximum allowable voter capacity of a polling station for the national elections?
Answer:
a . Yes
Comments: 1000 voters
Source: Election Laws
Verified: 2007/01/31
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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